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Abstract Wild waterfowl serve as a reservoir of some astroviruses. Fecal samples from wild waterfowl collected at Hong Kong's Marshes were tested using pan-astrovirus reverse transcription-PCR. Positive samples underwent subsequent host identification using DNA barcoding. Based on deduced partial sequences, noteworthy samples from three astrovirus groups (mammalian, avian and unclassified astroviruses) were further analyzed by next-generation sequencing. One sample of Avastrovirus 4 clade, MP22-196, had a nearly complete genome identified. The results of ORF2 phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance analysis indicate that Avastrovirus 4 is classified as a distinct subclade within Avastrovirus. MP22-196 has typical astrovirus genome characteristics. The unique characteristics and potential differences of this genome, compared to other avian astrovirus sequences, involve the identification of a modified sgRNA sequence situated near the ORF2 start codon, which precedes the ORF1b stop codon. Additionally, the 3' UTR of MP22-196 is shorter than other avian astroviruses. This study expands our understanding of the Avastrovirus 4 clade.

Wild waterfowl serve as a reservoir of some astroviruses. Fecal samples from wild waterfowl collected at Hong Kong's Marshes were tested using pan-astrovirus reverse transcription-PCR. Positive samples underwent subsequent host identification using DNA barcoding. Based on deduced partial sequences, noteworthy samples from three astrovirus groups (mammalian, avian and unclassified astroviruses) were further analyzed by next-generation sequencing. One sample of Avastrovirus 4 clade, MP22-196, had a nearly complete genome identified. The results of ORF2 phylogenetic analysis and genetic distance analysis indicate that Avastrovirus 4 is classified as a distinct subclade within Avastrovirus. MP22-196 has typical astrovirus genome characteristics. The unique characteristics and potential differences of this genome, compared to other avian astrovirus sequences, involve the identification of a modified sgRNA sequence situated near the ORF2 start codon, which precedes the ORF1b stop codon. Additionally, the 3' UTR of MP22-196 is shorter than other avian astroviruses. This study expands our understanding of the Avastrovirus 4 clade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

String-pulling is among the most widespread cognitive tasks used to test problem-solving skills in mammals and birds. The task requires animals to comprehend that pulling on a non-valuable string moves an otherwise inaccessible food reward to within their reach. Although at least 90 avian species have been administered the string-pull test, all but five of them were perching birds (passeriformes) or parrots (psittaciformes). Waterbirds (Aequorlitornithes) are poorly represented in the cognitive literature, yet are known to engage in complex foraging behaviours. In this study, we tested whether free-living ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis), a species known for their behavioural flexibility and foraging innovativeness, could solve a horizontal string-pull test. Here, we show that 25% (26/104) of the ring-billed gulls that attempted to solve the test at least once over a maximum of three trials were successful, and that 21% of them (22/104) succeeded during their first attempt. Ring-billed gulls are thus the first waterbird known to solve a horizontal single-string-rewarded string-pull test. Since innovation rate and problem-solving are associated with species' ability to endure environmental alterations, we suggest that testing the problem-solving skills of other species facing environmental challenges will inform us of their vulnerability in a rapidly changing world.

Babesia species are tickborne hemoprotozoans. Although experiments have shown that primaquine is highly effective in the treatment of Babesia species infections in mammals, this drug has not been widely used for the treatment of avian babesiosis. Consequently, the treatment of this disease for avian patients has traditionally relied on an empirically established imidocarb treatment. In this study, the authors examined the efficacy of primaquine as a treatment alternative for avian babesiosis (Babesia peircei and Babesia ugwidiensis) in seabirds. Retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records and blood smears of 446 B peircei–positive African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and 41 B ugwidiensis–positive Cape cormorants (Phalacrocorax capensis) admitted for rehabilitation at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB, Cape Town, South Africa). Treatment with primaquine (1 mg/kg PO q24h for 10 days) was effective in rapidly and markedly decreasing the proportion of Babesia–positive blood smears in African penguins and Cape cormorants. No regurgitation, loss of appetite, or any other signs after administration of primaquine were observed during the study period. The use of primaquine can be a particularly advantageous treatment alternative for avian babesiosis in circumstances in which it is not possible to determine confidently whether the intraerythrocytic inclusions seen in blood smears correspond to Babesia or Plasmodium or in cases in which there is a coinfection by Babesia and Plasmodium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first record of the Sungrebe Heliornis fulica for the state of Piauí in northeastern Brazil, a first sighting also in a Cerrado/Caatinga ecotone. On 19 December 2014, a female Sungrebe was collected by a local fisherman in the Corrente River located between the towns of Capitão de Campos and Piripiri in the northcentral part of the state of Piauí. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the helminth parasites of Anas crecca (A. crecca) in one of proper refuges of Iran, Fereydunkenar. Methods: A total number of one hundred thirty-six gastrointestinal tracts of green-winged teal (A. crecca) were collected from Fereydunkenar, Mazandaran province during September and October 2011. The gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminth infection. Results: The total infection rate was 70.50% (96) that 68.96% (40) of males and 71.79% (56) of females shown helminthes infection. The examined A. crecca harbored one species of Nematoda, Cestoda and two species of Digenea which were as following: Contracaecum larvae (from stomach wall), Diorchis stefanskii (D. stefanskii) (from small intestine), Hypoderaeum conoideum (from small intestine) and Notocotylus attenuatus (N. attenuatus) (from caecum), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between examined males and females ducks in Hypoderaeum conoideum, D. stefanskii and N. attenuatus (P>0.05) whereas a significant relationship was observed between males and females in Contracaecum larvae (P

This study aimed to assess the effect of two dietary cadmium (Cd) levels (C1: 1mgkg−1; C10: 10mgkg−1) on bird Anas platyrhynchos exposed for 10, 20 and 40 days (5 animals per experimental condition). Ducks were able to accumulate high amounts of Cd, especially in kidneys (after 40 days: C1 8.1±1mgkg−1, C10 37.7±4.3mgkg−1). After 40 days, the lowest Cd level triggered oxidative stress and stimulated mitochondrial metabolism. At the same time, highest amounts of Cd (C10 group) only triggered repression of genes encoding for catalase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase, with repression factors of 1/50 and 1/5, respectively. High dose exposures were then associated with the repression of genes encoding for antioxidant, whereas low dose exposure triggered their induction. In contrast, the onset of MT gene expression appeared quickly for the C10 group even if a time delay was observed between gene expression and protein accumulation. Through the comparison of A. platyrhynchos and Cairina moschata, the response to Cd toxicity appeared species-dependent. Discrepancies between species could be explained by differential utilization of MT. This pathway of detoxification seemed sufficient to counter Cd toxicity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In environment, birds often fast in connection with breeding, migration or drastic climatic conditions and need to mobilize lipid reserves during these periods. The impairment of lipid metabolism by cadmium (Cd; 1 mg kg-1 added in diet) was investigated on palmiped Cairina moschata. Expression levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism, mitochondrial metabolism and detoxification were investigated in liver and muscle of ducks. Lipid content in muscle and liver were analysed and plasma triglycerides were quantified. After 20 days, ducks exposed to Cd displayed a lower body weight and lower lipid content in liver than controls. In muscle, the increase of lipid content was only significant for control ducks but not for exposed ducks. Exposed ducks appeared unable to sufficiently transport and store lipids into peripheral tissues. Cd impairs lipid metabolism by several ways. First, Cd triggered the down-regulation of fatty acids synthesis in liver even if the NADPH production and the mitochondrial metabolism are enhanced, suggesting a stronger energy needs. Secondly, the associated decrease of plasma triglycerides and lipoprotein lipase activity with Cd are consistent with impairment of lipids storage in peripheral tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the helminth parasites of Anas crecca ( A. crecca ) in one of proper refuges of Iran, Fereydunkenar. Methods A total number of one hundred thirty-six gastrointestinal tracts of green-winged teal ( A. crecca ) were collected from Fereydunkenar, Mazandaran province during September and October 2011. The gastrointestinal tracts were examined for helminth infection. Results The total infection rate was 70.50% (96) that 68.96% (40) of males and 71.79% (56) of females shown helminthes infection. The examined A. crecca harbored one species of Nematoda, Cestoda and two species of Digenea which were as following: Contracaecum larvae (from stomach wall), Diorchis stefanskii ( D. stefanskii ) (from small intestine), Hypoderaeum conoideum (from small intestine) and Notocotylus attenuatus ( N. attenuatus ) (from caecum), respectively. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection between examined males and females ducks in Hypoderaeum conoideum, D. stefanskii and N. attenuatus ( P >0.05) whereas a significant relationship was observed between males and females in Contracaecum larvae ( P <0.05). Conclusions Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that A. crecca plays a prominent role in transmission of mentioned parasites. In addition, this is the first report of Contracaecum larvae, D. stefanskii and N. attenuatus from A. crecca in Iran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the relationship between benthic invertebrates and aquatic birds at a newly constructed wetland using an avian exclosure experiment combined with counts of aquatic bird use. We measured the standing stock biomass of benthic dipterans both inside and outside exclosures. Chironomidae was the most abundant dipteran family present. Maximum chironomid standing stock biomass per pond ranged from3.62 to 27.82 g/m2 and was comparable to that found in a number of natural systems. We monitored the abundance of ten aquatic birds species. Abundances of three aquatic bird species [American avocet (Recurvirostra americana), Wilson's phalarope (Phalaropus tricolor), and cinnamon teal (Anas cyanoptera)] were significantly correlated with chironomid and total dipteran densities. Our experiment, however, found no significant effect of predation on invertebrate densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]