Plasma Biochemistries and Morphometric Indices of Body Condition in Imperial Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) Chicks

Plasma biochemistries provide a complementary method for assessing physiological and nutritional status of free-ranging wild birds. Triglycerides, total protein and alkaline phosphatase were determined in 110 free-living Imperial Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) chicks aged 16-35 days, at Punta León (Argentina) during 2010 and 2011. Body mass at 30 days of age ("pre-fledging body condition", 2010 only) and body mass corrected by tarsus length at the time of blood sampling ("current body condition", 2011 only) were also determined. Variability of parameters by sex, hatching order, survival, age and breeding season was assessed, and the relationship between biochemical and morphometric indices was also explored. Morphometric indices were higher in A-chicks (pre-fledging body condition also varied with sex), and explained 35-55% of B-chick survival. Biochemistries differed significantly between breeding seasons, being higher in 2011. Alkaline phosphatase increased with age, and total protein was higher in A-chicks. Triglycerides and total protein accounted for 26% and 30%, respectively, of variation in current body condition; however, they did not forecast pre-fledging body condition. Lastly, total protein levels predicted B-chick survival (higher levels in surviving B-chicks), but their prognostic value was relatively low. The results suggest that unlike morphometric indices, the biochemistries chosen are valuable to assess individual body condition at the time of sampling, yet their applicability for predicting chick survival requires further evaluation.Fil: Gallo, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Quintana, Flavio Roberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Svagelj, Walter Sergio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University of California; Estados Unido

Exposure to selected pathogens in Geoffroy's cats and domestic carnivores from central Argentina

Wild carnivores share a high percentage of parasites and viruses with closely related domestic carnivores. Because of increased overlap and potential contact with domestic species, we conducted a retrospective serosurvey for 11 common carnivore pathogens in 40 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi) sampled between 2000 and 2008 within or near two protected areas in central Argentina (Lihué Calel National Park, La Pampa, and Campos del Tuyú National Park, Buenos Aires), as well as five domestic cats and 11 domestic dogs from cattle ranches adjacent to Lihué Calel Park. Geoffroy's cats had detectable antibody to canine distemper virus (CDV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline coronavirus, feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira interrogans (serovars Ictero/Icter and Ballum), and Dirofilaria immitis. None of the wild cats had antibodies to feline herpesvirus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia virus, or rabies virus. Domestic dogs had antibodies to CDV, canine adenovirus, canine herpesvirus, and canine parvovirus. Antibodies to FPV, FCV, FIV, and T. gondii were found in domestic cats.We provide the first data on exposure of free-ranging Geoffroy's cats to pathogens at two sites within the core area of the species distribution range, including the first report of antibodies to CDV in this species. We encourage continued monitoring for diseases in wild and domestic carnivores as well as preventive health care for domestic animals, particularly in park buffer zones where overlap is greatest.Fil: Uhart, Marcela María. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Rago, María Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Ecología, Genética y Evolución de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Marull, Carolina A.. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Ferreyra, Hebe del Valle. ildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Pereira, Javier Adolfo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentin

Lifetime glucocorticoid profiles in baleen of right whale calves: Potential relationships to chronic stress of repeated wounding by Kelp Gulls

Baleen tissue accumulates stress hormones (glucocorticoids, GC) as it grows, along with other adrenal, gonadal and thyroid hormones. The hormones are deposited in a linear fashion such that a single plate of baleen allows retrospective assessment and evaluation of long-term trends in the whales´ physiological condition. In whale calves, a single piece of baleen contains hormones deposited across the lifespan of the animal, with the tip of the baleen representing prenatally grown baleen. This suggests that baleen recovered from stranded carcasses of whale calves could be used to examine lifetime patterns of stress physiology. Here we report lifetime profiles of cortisol and corticosterone in baleen of a North Atlantic right whale ("NARW" - Eubalaena glacialis) calf that died from a vessel strike, as well as four southern right whale ("SRW" - Eubalaena australis) calves that were found dead with varying severity of chronic wounding from Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) attacks. In all five calves, prenatally grown baleen exhibited a distinctive profile of elevated glucocorticoids that declined shortly before birth, similar to GC profiles reported from baleen of pregnant females. After birth, GC profiles in calf baleen corresponded with the degree of wounding. The NARW calf and two SRW calves with no or few gull wounds had relatively low and constant GC content throughout life, while two SRW calves with high numbers of gull wounds had pronounced elevations in baleen GC content in postnatal baleen followed by a precipitous decline shortly before death, a profile suggestive of prolonged chronic stress. Baleen samples may present a promising and valuable tool for defining the baseline physiology of whale calves and may prove useful for addressing conservation-relevant questions such as distinguishing acute from chronic stress and, potentially, determining cause of death.Fil: Ajó, Alejandro A. Fernández. Northern Arizona University; Estados UnidosFil: Hunt, Kathleen E.. Northern Arizona University; Estados UnidosFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Rowntree, Victoria. University of Utah; Estados UnidosFil: Sironi, Mariano. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecológica; Argentina. Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas; ArgentinaFil: Marón, Carina Flavia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales. Departamento de Diversidad Biológica y Ecológica; Argentina. Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Di Martino, Matias. Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program; ArgentinaFil: Buck, Charles Loren. Northern Arizona University; Estados Unido

Métodos para Evaluar la Exposición a Contaminantes Plásticos en Procellariiformes: Revisión y Estandarización de Protocolos

A presença de resíduos antropogênicos em águas oceânicas e sua ingestão por aves marinhas tem sido alvo de um crescente número de estudos. Os Procellariiformes são particularmente suscetíveis à ingestão de plástico, uma vez que se alimentam preferencialmente de pequenas presas na superfície da água, onde os plásticos tendem a flutuar e se acumular. Após revisão bibliográfica e aplicação prática de técnicas em campo e laboratório, apresentamos um protocolo padronizado de amostragem para a avaliação da ingestão de plásticos por Procellariiformes que inclui recomendações para opções de tipos e fontes de amostras, além de adaptações à coleta para atender a diversos objetivos de pesquisa. As amostras podem ser coletadas de animais mortos oriundos da captura incidental em atividades de pesca; encalhes de praia; aves mortas nas colônias ou centros de reabilitação; animais vivos em colônias ou centros de reabilitação; ou amostragem não invasiva por meio das fezes, bolos alimentares e ovos não eclodidos. Além disso, sugerimos tipos de análises possíveis, materiais necessários e rotinas de limpeza para evitar a contaminação durante a coleta e processamento. O uso de protocolos padronizados aumenta a consistência, comparabilidade e a reprodutibilidade, permitindo comparações entre estudos em escalas temporais e espaciais diferenciadas.The presence of anthropogenic debris in oceanic waters and their ingestion by seabirds has been the subject of a growing number of studies. Procellariiformes are particularly susceptible to plastic ingestion, since they feed preferably on small prey on the waters’ surface, where plastics tend to float and accumulate. Following an extensive literature review and practical application of techniques in the field and laboratory by the authors, we present a set of guidelines for sampling Procellariiformes to assess plastic ingestion. The guidelines suggest several sample type and sample source options, offering ways to approach different research objectives and overcome logistics constraints. Samples may be collected from dead beach-cast birds or those caught incidentally by fisheries. It is also possible to collect samples from live or dead animals in their breeding sites, rehabilitation centers, or noninvasively through feces, boluses and non-hatched eggs. In addition, we recommend analysis methods, necessary materials and cleaning routines to avoid contamination during collection and processing. The use of standardized protocols increases consistency and repeatability, allowing comparisons between investigations for a number of species, as well as the detection of large-scale spatiotemporal patterns.Los estudios sobre la presencia de residuos antropogénicos en el mar y su ingesta por aves marinas se han incrementado en las últimas décadas. Los Procellariiformes son particularmente susceptibles a la ingesta de plásticos debido a que se alimentan preferentemente de presas sobre la superficie del mar, donde los plásticos tienden a flotar y acumularse. Luego de una extensa revisión bibliográfica y la aplicación práctica de técnicas en el laboratorio y el campo, presentamos protocolos estandarizados para la colecta de muestras para evaluar la ingesta de plásticos en Procellariiformes. Estos protocolos sugieren una variedad de tipos y fuentes de muestras y metodologías de colecta de acuerdo a diferentes objetivos de investigación. Las muestras pueden ser colectadas de aves muertas encontradas en la playa o capturadas incidentalmente en pesquerías; de aves vivas o muertas en colonias reproductivas y centros de rehabilitación; o de manera no-invasiva en el caso de fecas, bolos y huevos no eclosionados. Además, recomendamos métodos de análisis, insumos necesarios y rutinas de limpieza para evitar la contaminación durante la colecta y procesamiento de muestras. La implementación de protocolos estandarizados para la colecta y el análisis de muestras favorece la consistencia y repetibilidad de los estudios, permitiendo la comparación de los resultados y la detección de patrones espacio-temporales a gran escala.Fil: Gallo, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Ministerio de Produccion y Trabajo. Secretaria de Gobierno de Agroindustria. Servicio Nacional de Sanidad y Calidad Agroalimentaria. Oficina de Senasa. Centro Regional Patagonia Sur.; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Pereira, Alice. Projeto Albatroz; BrasilFil: Pereira Serafini, Patricia. Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Aves Silvestres; Brasil. Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade; Brasi

Lead exposure in consumers of culled invasive alien mammals in El Palmar National Park, Argentina

Consumption of meat from animals hunted with Pb ammunition can cause toxic accumulation with consequent health risks, even if relatively small amounts are consumed in each exposure. In El Palmar National Park, Argentina, invasive alien mammals, wild boar (Sus scrofa) and axis deer (Axis axis), are culled with Pb ammunition and their meat is consumed. In this study, we evaluated blood Pb concentrations in 58 consumers of culled game and examined Pb exposure risk according to their demographics, duty, and consumption habits. Likewise, the likelihood of exposure was evaluated by quantifying Pb concentrations in meat samples of seven culled axis deer. Twenty-seven participants (46%) had detectable blood Pb levels (limit of detection = 3.3 μg/dL), with an average 4.75 ± 1.35 μg/dL (geometric mean ± geometric S.D.); the average for all participants was 3.25 ± 1.51 μg/dL. Blood Pb concentrations were significantly higher in hunters, in participants who reported consuming game meat more than 5 times per week, and in participants who reported frequently consuming cured game meat (compared to cooked or pickled). Pb concentration varied significantly along the trajectory of the bullet in deer muscle, being highest at mid-point but with detectable Pb levels even in distant tissue samples (control), suggesting potential for dietary intake by consumers. These findings provide evidence of Pb exposure risk in consumers and emphasize the relevance of replacing Pb ammunition with non-toxic alternatives. This change would reduce dietary exposure in frequent consumers and allow the use of game meat as safe food for people whilst eliminating collateral risks to wild animals and the environment.Fil: Tammone Santos, Agostina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Caselli, Elsa Andrea. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Condorí, Walter Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Fernández, Valentina. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de San Martín. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigación e Ingeniería Ambiental; ArgentinaFil: Estein, Silvia Marcela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tandil. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comision de Investigaciones Científicas. Centro de Investigación Veterinaria de Tandil; ArgentinaFil: Vanstreels, Ralph Eric Thijl. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Sosa, Cristian. Administración de Parques Nacionales; ArgentinaFil: Delaloye, Aldo. Administración de Parques Nacionales; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University of California at Davis; Estados Unido

Chlamydiaceae-Like Bacterium in Wild Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

The family Chlamydiaceae is comprised of obligate intracellular bacteria, some of which are significant pathogens of humans and domestic animals. Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are susceptible to Chlamydia psittaci outbreaks in captivity, and serological surveys detected antibodies against C. psittaci (or antigenically similar organisms) in wild populations of this species. To investigate the occurrence of Chlamydiaceae in wild Magellanic penguins, 167 cloacal swabs were collected from apparently healthy individuals at four breeding colonies along the coast of Chubut, Argentina. Real-time PCR revealed the presence of DNA from Chlamydiaceae-like bacteria in 61 cloacal swabs (36.5%). Detection did not correlate to nutritional status or to meaningful hematological abnormalities. Isolation in monkey kidney cells was unsuccessful, but DNA sequences for the 16S–23S rRNA region were obtained from one sample. Phylogenetic analysis showed a close relationship to unidentified Chlamydiaceae-like bacteria found in chinstrap penguins (Pygoscelis antarcticus) in Antarctica and seagulls in France and the Bering Sea, and to Chlamydiifrater spp. isolated from flamingos in France. Further studies are necessary to clarify the taxonomy and investigate the epidemiology, pathogenicity, and zoonotic potential of this group of Chlamydiaceae-like bacteria.Fil: Gallo Vaulet, Lucía. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Vanstreels, Ralph Eric Thijl. University of California at Davis; Estados UnidosFil: Gallo, Luciana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Entrocassi, Andrea Carolina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Peker, Laura Alejandra. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Blanco, Gabriela Silvina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Centro para el Estudio de Sistemas Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Rago, María Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; ArgentinaFil: Rodríguez Fermepin, Marcelo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University of California at Davis; Estados Unido

Isolation and characterization of an H9N2 influenza virus isolated in Argentina

As part of our ongoing efforts on animal influenza surveillance in Argentina, an H9N2 virus was isolated from a wild aquatic bird (Netta peposaca), A/rosy-billed pochard/Argentina/CIP051-559/2007 (H9N2) - herein referred to as 559/H9N2. Due to the important role that H9N2 viruses play in the ecology of influenza in nature, the 559/H9N2 isolate was characterized molecularly and biologically. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene revealed that the 559/H9N2 virus maintained an independent evolutionary pathway and shared a sister-group relationship with North American viruses, suggesting a common ancestor. The rest of the genome segments clustered with viruses from South America. Experimental inoculation of the 559/H9N2 in chickens and quail revealed efficient replication and transmission only in quail. Our results add to the notion of the unique evolutionary trend of avian influenza viruses in South America. Our study increases our understanding of H9N2 viruses in nature and emphasizes the importance of expanding animal influenza surveillance efforts to better define the ecology of influenza viruses at a global scale.Fil: Xu, Kemin. University of Maryland; Estados UnidosFil: Ferreri, Lucas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Rimondi, Agustina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Olivera, Valeria. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Romano, Marcelo. Wildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Ferreyra, Hebe. Wildlife Conservation Society; ArgentinaFil: Rago, María Virginia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Chen, Hongjun. University of Maryland; Estados UnidosFil: Sutton, Troy. University of Maryland; Estados UnidosFil: Pereda, Ariel Julián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro de Investigación en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Perez, Daniel R.. University of Maryland; Estados Unido

Scientific and technical aspects about the sarcoptic mange in vicugnas (Vicugna vicugna)

La sarna sarcóptica es una enfermedad producida por el ácaro Sarcoptes scabiei, que afecta a las vicuñas y a otros mamíferos, pudiendo ocasionar la muerte del animal y provocar brotes epidémicos. Su presencia creciente en poblaciones silvestres de vicuñas generó recientemente preocupación en los países miembros del Convenio para la Conservación y Manejo de la Vicuña. El Convenio encomendó al GECS/UICN la elaboración de un documento que reúna conocimientos científicos, aspectos de manejo, prioridades de investigación y recomendaciones para prevenir, diagnosticar y mitigar la enfermedad. Estos aspectos presentan especial interés para las actividades de esquila de poblaciones silvestres. En este trabajo resumimos los principales aspectos abordados en el documento, que surgió como colaboración científico-técnica internacional e interdisciplinaria, a partir de la mencionada demanda.Sarcoptic mange is a disease caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, which affects vicuñas and other mammals and can lead to the death of affected animals and cause epidemic outbreaks. Its increasing presence in wild vicuña populations recently generated concern among the member countries of the Convenio para la Conservación y Manejo de la Vicuña. The Convenio commissioned the GECS/IUCN to prepare a document that collates scientific knowledge, management aspects, research priorities and recommendations to prevent, diagnose and mitigate the disease. These aspects present special interest forlive-shearing activities in wild populations. In this article we summarized the main aspects addressed in the document, which emerged as international and interdisciplinary scientific-technical collaboration based on the mentioned demand.Fil: Arzamendia, Yanina. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Salta. Instituto de Ecorregiones Andinas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. Grupo de Especialistas en Camélidos Sudamericanos, Comisión de Supervivencia de Especies; SuizaFil: Castillo, Hugo. Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Perú. Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. Grupo de Especialistas en Camélidos Sudamericanos, Comisión de Supervivencia de Especies; SuizaFil: González, Benito. Universidad de Chile; Chile. Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. Grupo de Especialistas en Camélidos Sudamericanos, Comisión de Supervivencia de Especies; SuizaFil: Vila, Bibiana Leonor. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Luján; ArgentinaFil: Marcoppido, Gisela Ariana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Uhart, Marcela María. University Of California At Davis. School Of Veterinary Medicine. One Health Institute; Estados UnidosFil: Baldo, Jorge Luis. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; Argentina. Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza. Grupo de Especialistas en Camélidos Sudamericanos, Comisión de Supervivencia de Especies; SuizaFil: Carmanchahi, Pablo Daniel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Patagonia Norte. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universidad Bariloche. Instituto de Investigaciones en Biodiversidad y Medioambiente; Argentin

Avian influenza virus isolated in wild waterfowl in Argentina: Evidence of a potentially unique phylogenetic lineage in South America

Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been sporadically isolated in South America. The most recent reports are from an outbreak in commercial poultry in Chile in 2002 and its putative ancestor from a wild bird in Bolivia in 2001. Extensive surveillance in wild birds was carried out in Argentina during 2006-2007. Using RRT-PCR, 12 AI positive detections were made from cloacal swabs. One of those positive samples yielded an AI virus isolated from a wild kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) captured in the South Atlantic coastline of Argentina. Further characterization by nucleotide sequencing reveals that it belongs to the H13N9 subtype. Phylogenetic analysis of the 8 viral genes suggests that the 6 internal genes are related to the isolates from Chile and Bolivia. The analysis also indicates that a cluster of phylogenetically related AI viruses from South America may have evolved independently, with minimal gene exchange, from influenza viruses in other latitudes. The data produced from our investigations are valuable contributions to the study of AI viruses in South America.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

Avian influenza virus isolated in wild waterfowl in Argentina: Evidence of a potentially unique phylogenetic lineage in South America

Avian influenza (AI) viruses have been sporadically isolated in South America. The most recent reports are from an outbreak in commercial poultry in Chile in 2002 and its putative ancestor from a wild bird in Bolivia in 2001. Extensive surveillance in wild birds was carried out in Argentina during 2006-2007. Using RRT-PCR, 12 AI positive detections were made from cloacal swabs. One of those positive samples yielded an AI virus isolated from a wild kelp gull (Larus dominicanus) captured in the South Atlantic coastline of Argentina. Further characterization by nucleotide sequencing reveals that it belongs to the H13N9 subtype. Phylogenetic analysis of the 8 viral genes suggests that the 6 internal genes are related to the isolates from Chile and Bolivia. The analysis also indicates that a cluster of phylogenetically related AI viruses from South America may have evolved independently, with minimal gene exchange, from influenza viruses in other latitudes. The data produced from our investigations are valuable contributions to the study of AI viruses in South America.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore