HealthGene's Avian Bulletin (12.31.2004)
IN BRIEF
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HUMANS AND PARROTS SHARE EQUIPMENT TO MAKE
SPEECH
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Recent research study at Leiden University in Netherland has
shown that as in humans, the parrot tongue modulates speech
patterns in a complex way. While investigating sound making
in monk parakeets, the researchers found that lingual movements
of less than one millimeter were enough to significantly alter
the sounds. "This could explain why they [parrots] are
such good mimics. They have the same equipment to make speech",
says Gabriel Becker, one of the study's authors.
Source: NewScientist.com
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DUCKS COULD POSE AVIAN FLU THREAT
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Domestic ducks may be a silent reservoir for H5N1 avian influenza
virus and be playing a greater role in the spread of the disease
than previously thought, three international health organizations
reported. A laboratory study found the quantities of virus
shed by healthy-looking domestic ducks approached those shed
by visibly diseased chickens.
Source: VetProductNews.com
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ONE IN 10 AVIAN SPECIES "EXTINCT BY
END OF CENTURE"
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By the end of the centure one in 10 species of birds in the
world will be extinct and a further 15 per cent will be on
the brink, according to one of the largest studies of avian
biodiversity. It is estimated just over 1 per cent of bird
species have become extinct in the past 500 years but habitat
loss, disease and climate change will accelerate that tenfold
in the next 100 years. Stanford University in California found
that the loss of birds will not only have an impact on other
wildlife but could also increase the risk of disease hitting
the human population.
Source: The New Zealand Herald (www.nzherald.co.nz)
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HEALTHGENE'S HIGHLIGHTS
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AVIAN RESPIRATORY PROFILE
Press Release.
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Birds have the most efficient respiratory system of vertebrate
animals. At the same time, the system is very complex. Improved
husbandry in the last two decades has allowed a reduction
in the number of problems in pet birds. Nevertheless, bacterial
and fungal infections that lead to pneumonia and other severe
respiratory problems are still common. The HealthGene Laboratory
has recently introduced a new Avian Respiratory Profile
(Code: ARP1) which consists of DNA tests for the following
organisms:
- Aspergillus spp.
- Chlamydophila psittaci
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae
- Klebsiella spp.
- Pasteurella spp.
These organisms have been found to be associated with many
respiratory
infections in birds.
ASPERGILLUS SPP.
Aspergillus spp. itself and the disease that it causes are
considered one of the toughest to diagnose and to treat. The
fungi can grow undetected for an extended period of time -
from months to years. When symptoms become apparent - abnormally
fast, labored and/or open-mouthed breathing occurs - the problem
is in an advanced stage and successful treatment is very difficult.
It has been found that African Greys and Amazon parrots are
the most susceptible to this disease among pet parrots. However,
any bird can be infected. Early detection is essential in
fighting the disease. DNA testing offers an accurate and fast
way to diagnose Aspergillosis.
CHLAMYDOPHILLA SPP.
For a long time respiratory problems in birds have been associated
with Chlamydophila spp. (former Chlamydia spp.) - a bacterial
infection which is most commonly found in psittacine birds.
This bacteria lives inside the cells, which makes it more
difficult to diagnose and treat. Very often birds become carriers
of the infection with no signs of the disease. However, once
the immune system is weakened or the bird is stressed, a potentially
deadly disease can develop. There are two main routes of transmission
for Chlamydophila spp. - respiratory (through inhalation of
fecal, oral, or other discharges, as well as, feather dust
from infected birds) and oral (through ingestion of food or
water contaminated with the bacteria). The symptoms of an
acute phase of infection may include respiratory problems,
sneezing, dehydration, weight loss, and diarrhea. DNA testing
allows for accurate detection of Chlamydophila spp. on samples
such as choanal swabs, feces, and discharges. DNA testing
on blood can detect carriers or a very early stage of infection.
Screening multiple samples from the same bird is recommended.
KLEBSIELLA SPP.
Klebsiella spp. is one of the "nastiest" of the
gram-negative bacteria. It may be present in very low numbers
in clinically normal birds, but frequently this bacteria is
associated with infections of the respiratory tract, especially
when present in large numbers. The infection occurs by inhalation
of the bacteria. Like many other bacterial and fungal organisms,
Klebsiella grows in moist places. It has been found that used
filters in humidifiers harbour the organism and, if the filters
are not changed regularly, the infection can be easily spread
around the house. This is why pet birds living in enclosed
environments are more prone to developing the disease. DNA
testing of the choanal swab can accurately identify the presence
of Klebsiella in the respiratory tract.
PASTEURELLA SPP.
Pasteurellosis or Avian Cholera has been diagnosed in many
avian species. There are a number of recorded outbreaks in
the waterfowl species and in cage birds. As with other respiratory
infections, transmission of Pasteurella occurs through inhalation
or ingestion of infected dust, discharges, food or water.
In many cases, the disease develops undetected, without any
externally visible symptoms. The bird dies of toxic agents
that poison its body. In chronic cases, the symptoms are clearer
and may include rattling respiratory sounds, sneezing and
nasal discharges. DNA testing can detect early infection and
allow for proper medical treatment.HealthGene suggests submitting
multiple samples -including blood, choanal and cloacal swabs
- from a bird for more detailed screening. Also, any type
of discharge can be tested for the presence of organisms,
in order to detect if the bacteria or fungi is being shed.
For more information, please contact us at
1-877-371-1551.
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or in this bulletin for your club's newsletter, please contact
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