Traveling light: Health status of Red Kites wintering in Spain

Trabajo presentado al II Congreso Internacional de Milano Real celebrado en Binaced (Huesca, España) entre el 30 de octubre y 1 de noviembre de 2015.Apoyo económico de la Diputación Provincial de Huesca y de la Comarca del Cinca Medio.Peer Reviewe

Changes in parasite transmission stage excretion after pheasant release

The production of parasite transmission stages was investigated in the faeces of 77 farm-bred ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Coccidian oocysts (Eimeria sp.), and nematode eggs (Heterakis sp., and Capillaria-like eggs) were recovered before and after release but all birds were treated prior to release. Treatment with fenbendazole significantly reduced the abundance of trans-mission-stage excretion for all parasites, and reduced the prevalence in the case of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. Nonetheless, a significant increase in the excretion abundance for all parasites and in the prevalence of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. was found after release. Eggs of Ascaridia sp. were found only after releasing, suggesting infection ocurred in the wild. A negative relationship was found between the pheasant body condition and Heterakis excretion abundance and a higher abundance of Capillaria sp. eggs in female birds. No significant relationship was found between parasite excretion abundance and pheasant survival. Despite this, results suggest that an increase in the excretion of parasite transmission stages follows the release of captive pheasants into the wild. This can in part explain restocking failures, but also means that autochtonous free-living birds may become exposed to new and potentially harmful pathogens. To avoid these risks it is proposed that improved prophylactic measures should be taken. © CAB International, 2006.This work is a contribution to the joint project CSIC/Principado de Asturias. The authors wish to thank Maria and Emilio Álvarez, Pilar and Pepe Collada, A. de Miguel, J. Marcos. and P. Talavera. Oscar Rodríguez received a Torres Quevedo grant from the MEC.Peer Reviewe

Changes in parasite transmission stage excretion after pheasant release

The production of parasite transmission stages was investigated in the faeces of 77 farm-bred ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Coccidian oocysts (Eimeria sp.), and nematode eggs (Heterakis sp., and Capillaria-like eggs) were recovered before and after release but all birds were treated prior to release. Treatment with fenbendazole significantly reduced the abundance of trans-mission-stage excretion for all parasites, and reduced the prevalence in the case of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. Nonetheless, a significant increase in the excretion abundance for all parasites and in the prevalence of Eimeria sp. and Heterakis sp. was found after release. Eggs of Ascaridia sp. were found only after releasing, suggesting infection ocurred in the wild. A negative relationship was found between the pheasant body condition and Heterakis excretion abundance and a higher abundance of Capillaria sp. eggs in female birds. No significant relationship was found between parasite excretion abundance and pheasant survival. Despite this, results suggest that an increase in the excretion of parasite transmission stages follows the release of captive pheasants into the wild. This can in part explain restocking failures, but also means that autochtonous free-living birds may become exposed to new and potentially harmful pathogens. To avoid these risks it is proposed that improved prophylactic measures should be taken. © CAB International, 2006.This work is a contribution to the joint project CSIC/Principado de Asturias. The authors wish to thank Maria and Emilio Álvarez, Pilar and Pepe Collada, A. de Miguel, J. Marcos. and P. Talavera. Oscar Rodríguez received a Torres Quevedo grant from the MEC.Peer Reviewe

Use of wildlife rehabilitation centres in pathogen surveillance: A case study in white storks (Ciconia ciconia)

More than 70% of new human pathogens are zoonotic and many originate from the wildlife reservoir. Wildlife rehabilitation centres (WRC) are an easily accessible source for sample and data collection for preventive surveillance, but data collected this way may be biased. We use white storks (Ciconia ciconia) as a model to compare pathogen prevalence obtained in the field and WRC. We address factors that may affect disease prevalence data like origin, the age group and the “diseased” state of WRC admissions. In this study we compared prevalence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in the digestive tract; antibodies against West Nile virus, avian influenza and Newcastle disease virus, and antimicrobial resistance patterns of E. coli between nestling and adult wild storks established in different habitats (n = 90) and storks admitted to two different WRC (n = 30) in the same region. When age groups and colonies of origin were disregarded, the mean enterobacteria (E. coli, Salmonella) and viral antibody prevalence of the wild population (n = 90) were similar to prevalence observed in the individuals admitted to WRC (n = 30). However, in fledgling juvenile storks admitted to WRC, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. (13.3%), E. coli showing resistance to cefotaxime (37.9%) and against two antimicrobials at once (41.4%) were more similar to the prevalence in stork nestlings from landfill-associated colonies (7.9%, 37.1% and 48.6%, respectively for prevalence of Salmonella spp. and E. coli displaying, cefotaxime resistance and resistance against two antimicrobials), and significantly higher than in colonies located in natural habitats (0%; 10.5% and 15.8%, respectively). Thus, pathogen surveillance in individuals from an abundant species admitted to WRC is useful to monitor overall mean prevalence, but for certain pathogens may not be sufficient to detect differences between local populations. In addition, the ecology of the tested species and the specific temporal, spatial and age group distribution of WRC admissions have to be taken into account.This work was funded by the projects: RTA2011-00111-C03-02 and ERTA2013-0013 funded by the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria, INIA. María Cruz Camacho is a fellow of the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla – La Mancha (JCCM).Peer Reviewe

Challenges for the Control of Poultry Red Mite (<em>Dermanyssus gallinae</em>)

The Poultry Red Mite, Dermanyssus gallinae, is an ectoparasite which is considered the major pest for the egg-laying industry. The mite hides in crevices and cracks during daylight and feed on the blood of the hens in the darkness. It can also parasitize other bird and mammal species, including man that can develop gamasoidosis when bitten at work or private residences. The control of the mite infestations has relied in synthetic acaricides, but the development of resistances and the restricted list of authorized products make fundamental the development of novel control measure. The combination of alternative control measures, such as monitoring of the mite infestation, plant-derived products, inner dusts, biological control and vaccines, poses as the best way for achieving satisfactory results

Long-term avian influenza virus epidemiology in a small Spanish wetland ecosystem is driven by the breeding Anseriformes community

During 2007–2009 and 2012–2014, avian influenza virus (AIV) was studied in a wild avian community of a northern Spanish wetland using non-invasive sampling methods and host identification by COI barcoding. The aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate AIV dynamics in a natural wetland ecosystem, taking into account both virological aspects and ecological traits of hosts. Global AIV prevalence decreased significantly during the second sampling period (0.3%) compared to the first (6.6%). Circulating subtype distributions were also different between periods, with a noteworthy H5 and H7 subtype richness during the first sampling period. Mallard Anas platyrhynchos was identified as the main AIV host, although not all positive samples could be ascribed to the host. We modelled AIV prevalence with regard to the avian host community composition and meteorological data from the wetland. Statistical analysis revealed seasonal differences in AIV detection, with higher prevalence during the breeding season compared to other phenological events. The model also shows that the lower AIV prevalence during the second study period was associated with a significant reduction of breeding Anseriformes in the wetland, revealing a long-term fluctuation of AIV prevalence driven by the breeding Anseriformes community. This longitudinal study on AIV epidemiology in a natural ecosystem reveals that although prevalence follows seasonal and annual patterns, long-term prevalence fluctuation is linked to the breeding community composition and size. These results are relevant to understanding the influence of host ecology on pathogen transmission for preventing and managing influenza emergence.This study has been funded by the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) (RTA2011-00111-C03 Grant) and Departamento de Desarrollo Económico e Infraestructuras del Gobierno Vasco. OT was recipient of an INIA predoctoral grant. PA is supported by Ministerio de Economia, industria y competitividad del Gobierno de España and Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha through “Ramón y Cajal” contract (RYC-2012-11970).Peer reviewe

Spatio-temporal trends and risk factors affecting West Nile virus and related flavivirus exposure in Spanish wild ruminants

This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.-- et al.[Background]: During the last decade, the spread of many flaviviruses (Genus Flavivirus) has been reported, representing an emerging threat for both animal and human health. To further study utility of wild ruminant samples in West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance, we assessed spatio-temporal trends and factors associated with WNV and cross-reacting flaviviruses exposure, particularly Usutu virus (USUV) and Meaban virus (MBV), in wild ruminants in Spain. Serum samples from 4693 wild ruminants, including 3073 free-living red deer (Cervus elaphus), 201 fallow deer (Dama dama), 125 mouflon (Ovis aries musimon), 32 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and 1262 farmed red deer collected in 2003-2014, were screened for WNV and antigenically-related flavivirus antibodies using a blocking ELISA (bELISA). Positive samples were tested for neutralizing antibodies against WNV, USUV and MBV by virus micro-neutralization tests. [Results]: Mean flavivirus seroprevalence according to bELISA was 3.4 ± 0.5 % in red deer, 1.0 ± 1.4 % in fallow deer, 2.4 ± 2.7 % in mouflon and 0 % in roe deer. A multivariate logistic regression model revealed as main risk factors for seropositivity in red deer; year (2011), the specific south-coastal bioregion (bioregion 5) and presence of wetlands. Red deer had neutralizing antibodies against WNV, USUV and MBV. [Conclusions]: The results indicate endemic circulation of WNV, USUV and MBV in Spanish red deer, even in areas without known flavivirus outbreaks. WNV antibodies detected in a free-living red deer yearling sampled in 2010, confirmed circulation this year. Co-circulation of WNV and USUV was detected in bioregions 3 and 5, and of WNV and MBV in bioregion 3. Sampling of hunted and farmed wild ruminants, specifically of red deer yearlings, could be a complementary way to national surveillance programs to monitor the activity of emerging flaviviruses.This study has been supported by projects PAC08-0296-7771 (JCCM), AG2008-02504GAN, FAU2008-00019-C03-01 and AGL2013-49159-C2-2-R. Gutierrez-Guzman AV, was a JCCM fellow (PAC08-0296-7771).Peer Reviewe

Anillamiento científico de aves y vigilancia de enfermedades: Garrapatas, excrementos y plumas para prevenir brotes epidémicos

Trabajo presentado al XXIV Congreso Español y VII Ibérico de Ornitología, celebrado en Cadiz del 13 al 17 de noviembre de 2019.Recientemente varias enfermedades infecciosas han causado mortalidades severas en aves silvestres en Europa, con impactos notables en las poblaciones de algunas especies, tanto especies comunes como el mirlo europeo (Turdus merula) en el caso de virus Usutu en el valle del Rin en Alemania, como en especies amenazadas, como el halcón peregrino (Falco peregrinus) en el caso de influenza aviar H5N8 en los Países Bajos y Bélgica. Por otra parte, las aves están implicadas en los ciclos epidemiológicos de zoonosis importantes como la influenza aviar o la fiebre del Nilo occidental, entre otras, siendo aquí crucial la predicción de brotes para prevenir posibles casos en humanos. Incluso los mismos anilladores están en riesgo de exposición o de contactar con patógenos emergentes transmitidos por vectores (mosquitos en el caso de la fiebre del Nilo, garrapatas en la fiebre hemorrágica de Crimea-Congo) o de forma directa (como Salmonella, Clamidia o influenza aviar). Preocupa también la creciente resistencia de las bacterias a los antibióticos, en cuya transmisión podrían participar aves expuestas a ambientes urbanos o aguas residuales. Por la amplia actividad de anillamiento en toda la Península, la multitud de especies capturadas y la variedad de hábitats en los que se realizan las capturas, muestras procedentes de los anillamientos pueden resultar claves para generar información que pueda ayudar a predecir la aparición de brotes y prevenir riesgos, tanto para anilladores como para las aves y el público en general. Algunas muestras que se generan de forma espontánea durante el proceso de anillamiento, como los excrementos que las aves depositan en las bolsas colectoras, pueden ser de gran utilidad a la hora de investigar la presencia de Salmonella y otras bacterias patógenas, así como la expansión de bacterias multi-resistentes. Otras muestras, cuya colección resulta poco invasiva para las aves, como la recogida de plumas en crecimiento durante la fase activa de muda y las garrapatas que pueden parasitar a las aves, han demostrado ser de gran utilidad para la detección de diferentes patógenos. En el caso de las garrapatas, los patógenos que pueden transmitir dependen de la especie de garrapata, lo cual significa que la identificación de las mismas y su distribución permiten predecir ciertos riesgos. En este trabajo recopilamos una lista de enfermedades que se pueden detectar en estas muestras, y presentamos una sencilla aplicación de móvil denominada “BirdTick” que permite el envío de fotos de garrapatas halladas en las aves, para su identificación y remisión para el correspondiente análisis. Estas líneas de trabajo forman parte de un proyecto que pretende crear una red de puntos de muestreo en anillamiento que permita trazar un mapa de riesgos tanto para las aves como para las personas.Peer reviewe

Antibodies to West Nile virus and related flaviviruses in wild boar, red foxes and other mesomammals from Spain

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), wild boar (Sus scrofa) and Iberian pigs (Sus scrofa domestica) that are raised extensively outdoors, as well as other wild mesomammals from south central Spain and wild boar from Doñana National Park (DNP), were tested for antibodies against related flaviviruses by ELISA and for antibodies against WNV by VNT. Mean flavivirus seroprevalence according to ELISA was 20.4 ± 7.8% (21 out of 103) in red foxes, 12.6 ± 2.8% (69 out of 545) in wild boars, and 3.3 ± 2.7% (6 out of 177) in Iberian pigs. A stone marten (Martes foina) also tested positive. Flavivirus seroprevalence in wild boar was significantly higher in DNP, and increased with age. Haemolysis of the serum samples limited interpretation of VNT to 28 samples, confirming WNV seroprevalence in one red fox, four Iberian pigs and nine wild boars. ELISA positive, microVNT negative samples suggest presence of non-neutralizing antibodies against WNV or antibodies to other antigenically related flaviviruses. Despite the importance of wetlands for flavivirus maintenance and amplification, WNV/flavivirus seroprevalence in wild boar and red foxes was not associated to wetland habitats. This is the first report of exposure of red foxes to WNV. With view to use of the tested species as sentinels for flavivirus activity, limited exposure of Iberian pigs that would be available for regular sampling, low numbers of foxes collected and concentration of wild boar harvest in the winter season are major drawbacks.This study has been supported by projects PAC08-0296-7771 (JCCM), and AG2008-02504GAN. A.V. Gutierrez-Guzman is a JCCM fellow (PAC08-029).Peer Reviewe

Blastocystis spp. en perdiz, codorniz y aves esteparias. Posible efecto del estrés y subtipo zoonótico en perdices de granja

Resumen del trabajo presentado al I Congreso Ibérico de Ciencia Aplicada a los Recursos Cinegéticos (CICARC), celebrado en Ciudad Real (España) del 1 al 4 de julio de 2019.Peer reviewe