Cestode and acanthocephalan infections in captive bustards: New host and location records, with data on pathology, control, and preventive medicine

Bustards are large terrestrial birds that inhabit open plains, deserts, and dry bush country. The helminth parasites of captive houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni), rufous-crested bustards (Eupodotis ruficrista), and kori bustards (Ardeotis kori) have been investigated at the National Avian Research Centre (NARC) and the International Institute of Parasitology. The cestode species recovered include Hispaniolepis falsata, Ascometra vestita, Ascometra choriotidis, Otiditaenia conoideis, Otiditaenia macqueeni, Raillietina neyrai, and Idiogenes sp. The acanthocephalans Mediorhynchus taeniatus and Centrorhynchus lancea were also recovered. A host-parasite list is presented here. Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni is a new host for A. choriotidis, C. lancea, and R. neyrai, and E. ruficrista is a new host for O. macqueeni. Ascometra choriotidis, R. neyrai, O. macqueeni, H. falsata, M. taeniatus, and C. lancea records are new for the United Arab Emirates. Cestodes were recovered from 18 of 78 houbara bustards, two of three kori bustards, and four of 10 rufous-crested bustards. Pathologic findings in the intestinal tract associated with cestode infection included inflammation, mild atrophy, collapse, and fibrosis of the intestinal mucosa. In some birds, the number of parasites was sufficient to partially obstruct the intestinal lumen. Administration of a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg praziquantel was effective in treating kori bustards known to be infected with the cestode O. conoideis. Importation of stock for captive breeding programs may introduce parasites from one region into anothe

Postmortem findings in bustards in the United Arab Emirates

A review was conducted of 236 postmortem examinations of six species of captive and imported bustards in the United Arab Emirates for the period 1979-94. The most common causes of death in adult imported houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii) were euthanasia due to Newcastle disease, aspergillosis, and post-transportation-related deaths. Helminth parasites were a common finding in imported houbara bustards, and large parasite burdens occasionally caused intestinal obstruction and death. The most common causes of death in adult captive houbara bustards were trauma- related deaths and euthanasia for or death following treatment for capture myopathy. Fatty liver change was an important postmortem finding of captive adult houbara bustards. The main cause of death in juvenile houbara bustards was yolk-sac infection and septicemia. The most common causes of death in adult kori bustards (Ardeotis kori) were capture myopathy and handling injuries or euthanasia following these injuries. The most common causes of death in adult rufous-crested bustards (Eupodotis ruficrista) were post- transportation deaths in imported birds and trichomoniasis and trauma in captive birds. Juvenile rufous crested bustards appeared to be highly susceptible to gizzard impactions and foreign-body obstructions of the gastrointestinal tract. Nutritional hone disease is an important disease of all juvenile bustards, particularly kori and houbara bustards. Aspergillosis was also a common postmortem finding in captive and imported adult houbara bustards and also caused mortality in juvenile kori and houbara bustards

Comparative morphology of the alimentary tract and its glandular derivatives of captive bustards

This study describes the gross anatomy of the alimentary tract of Houbara Bustards (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii), Kori Bustards (Ardeotis kori), Rufous-crested Bustards (Eupodotis ruficrista) and White-bellied Bustards (Eupodotis senegalensis) maintained in captivity by the National Avian Research Center in the United Arab Emirates. The morphology of the alimentary tract and the proportions of each region were similar in all 4 species. The length of the oesophagus, combined proventriculus and ventriculus, small intestine, and large intestine formed 24.2–28.4%, 7.3–9.7%, 40.5–55.1% and 9.1–14.7% of the total alimentary tract length respectively. Neither crop nor oesophageal enlargement was observed in the birds examined in this study, although male Kori Bustards possessed a saccus oralis in the oropharyngeal cavity. Oesophagi, proventriculi, ventriculi, caeca and large intestine were well developed in all species. The small intestine was shorter than that of other avian herbivores and granivores when compared on a bodyweight basis. The well differentiated stomachs and well developed caeca of the bustards examined in this study are characteristic of omnivores. Analysis of the mean lengths of the alimentary tract components and weight of the liver and pancreas showed sexual dimorphism in cases where male and female data were available for direct comparison

Avian luxations: occurrence, diagnosis and treatment

Whereas the treatment of fractures in birds has been a matter of multiple studies and reviews, comparatively little information is available for the treatment of luxations in birds. In this article, we review the current knowledge regarding the frequency, etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of luxations in birds, aiming to guide the clinician in private practice as well as future research. The type, the localization, and the frequency of luxation do not follow a concrete pattern. In general, pet and aviary birds are more susceptible to leg and spinal luxations while in wild birds wing luxations are more frequently observed. Diagnosis is made on the basis of detailed orthopedic and radiographic examinations. Conservative management and coaptation has been successfully used in carpal, minor elbow, shoulder, coracoid, and metatarsophalangeal luxations. Surgical management is recommended in palatine bone, metacarpophalangeal, severe elbow, coxofemoral, stifle, and intertarsal joint luxations. The techniques, which have been applied, include arthrodesis, femoral head osteotomy, polymer rods, bone plates, and internal and external fixation in various combinations. Currently, there are no controlled studies, which underline the advantages and disadvantages of each technique

Cap 1, Advanced anatomical imaging; Cap. 2 Infectious Diseases:conservation biology of parasites

The second edition of "Avian Medicine" continues as a practical, comprehensive full-colour illustrative guide to the diagnosis and management of avian disorders. With the participation of some of the worlds leading authorities in avian medicine, the book addresses issues ranging from the basic aspects of patient management to the most sophisticated diagnostic techniques; aiming to teach the general clinician how to approach all birds. A wide range of avian species are discussed in detail, including psittacines, raptors, bustards and many more. Completely revised, the second edition contains extended and new chapter sections with a wealth of new illustrations! including cytology and behavioural osteodystrophy, fluoroscopy and advanced imaging techniques. With numerous practical guidelines on the medical management of the patient or flock and many useful tips on clinical laboratory diagnosis and suggested treatments, Avian Medicine contains valuable practical advice on all aspects of veterinary care of avian species.Avian Medicine combines the practicality of a hands-on manual with the wealth of information of a textbook and the highly illustrated format of an atlas, and will be of great use to general veterinary practitioners and avian specialists alike