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Translocation of captive-bred animals is a widely used conservation strategy to support the recovery of imperiled wild populations. Identifying which factors enhance or limit survival after release can be important in adapting translocation strategies, particularly for species with low survival rates after release from captivity. Many translocation programs track post-translocation survival, but few complete spatial-statistical assessments of mortality risk associated with release environments. Typically, few animals are released from captive breeding programs, limiting the sample size available for analyses. We aimed to create a workflow that used limited datasets to evaluate the influence of spatial conditions and other factors on mortality risk. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are endangered in Canada and of conservation concern throughout their range in the United States. After the species declined precipitously in Canada, a captive breeding program was initiated with subsequent releases in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Despite success in captive breeding, mortality rates of released sage-grouse were high. We used GPS- and VHF-based locations of released sage-grouse to determine how spatial features influence mortality risk of sage-grouse after release from captivity. We implemented a multistep approach to quantify and map risk relative to the environmental features associated with mortality. We also assessed whether the movement behaviors of sage-grouse correspond with environmental risk factors by using a combination of survival models and integrated step-selection functions. Mortality of sage-grouse in Alberta was hastened in areas close to anthropogenic disturbance. Although birds in Alberta avoided areas of higher mortality risk, those in Saskatchewan did not, perhaps due to environmental and selection constraints. This multistep approach allowed us to utilize small sample sizes to assess key risk factors in the landscape. This process supports the adaptive modification of translocation plans and can similarly support other data-limited scientists and managers in assessing environmental mortality risk and defining conservation actions for endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dispersal is an important life history trait that plays a crucial role in avoiding inbreeding. Uncovering the dispersal pattern of a threatened species facilitates conservation efforts. Most species of Galliformes are forest-dwelling terrestrial birds with a weak dispersal ability and high conservation priorities. However, little is known about the dispersal behavior and dispersal pattern of Galliformes species such as Reeves's pheasant Syrmaticus reevesii , a globally vulnerable species endemic to China. Here, we integrated behavioral and genetic analyses to investigate the dispersal pattern of Reeves's pheasant. Our results revealed that both females and males would disperse, although the overall dispersal pattern was more likely to be male-biased. Reeves's pheasant population had a low level of genetic diversity and a mild level of inbreeding. Speculation low genetic diversity was resulted from fragmented habitat, and male-biased dispersal may reduce the opportunity of inbreeding. Our research indicated that sex-biased dispersal patterns may be a behavioral mechanism adopted by wildlife to avoid inbreeding in a fragmented habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is a hematophagous temporary ectoparasite that causes serious economic losses and animal health impairment on laying hen farms worldwide. Control is limited by the parasite's hidden lifestyle, restrictions on the use of chemical acaricides and the development of resistance against certain drug classes. As a result, research was conducted to explore alternative control methods. In recent years, atmospheric pressure plasma has been increasingly reported as an alternative to chemical acaricides for pest control. This physical method has also shown promising against PRM under laboratory conditions. However, the detailed mechanisms of action have not yet been elucidated. In the present study, the effects of cold atmospheric pressure plasma on PRM were investigated using digital videography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), an imaging technique that visualizes the topography of surfaces and internal structures. Digital videography showed that a redistribution of the contents of the intestinal tract and excretory organs (Malpighian tubules) occurred immediately after plasma exposure. The body fluids reached the distal leg segments of PRM and parts of the haemocoel showed whiter and denser clumps, indicating a coagulation of the haemocoel components. OCT showed a loss of the boundaries of the hollow organs in transverse and sagittal sectional images as well as in the three-dimensional image reconstruction. In addition, a dorso-ventral shrinkage of the idiosoma was observed in plasma-exposed mites, which had shrunk to 44.0% of its original height six minutes after plasma exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An ectoparasite known as Dermanyssus gallinae feeds on infected blood with a high frequency in European chicken farms resulting in significant economic losses. Aim: The objective of the current work was to characterize D. gallinae, which infests laying hens on farms in Southern Al-Baha morphologically, and molecularly, and to determine the evolutionary relationship between the species. Methods: All mites that were morphologically recognized as D. gallinae were submitted to molecular analysis by PCR, which focused on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (cox1) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of ribosomal DNA. Results: Morphological identification of the parasites uncovered three distinct features: a triangular anal shield, a broader than longer sternal shield, and a rounded posterior genitoventral shield. Each D. gallinae sample was amplified using a single band, measuring 550 bp for the cox1-targeting PCR, and 530 bp for the ITS-targeting PCR. The sequences of D. gallinae were added to the GenBank. Conclusion: At the molecular identification level, this research identifies D. gallinae in Al-Baha for the first time. The results collectively provide a foundation for further research to understand the epidemiology and the part of this superfamily in the epidemiology of certain zoonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influenza A virus (IAV) has been a major cause of several pandemics, underscoring the importance of elucidating its transmission dynamics. This review investigates potential intermediate hosts in the cross-species transmission of IAV to humans, focusing on the factors that facilitate zoonotic events. We evaluate the roles of various animal hosts, including pigs, galliformes, companion animals, minks, marine mammals, and other animals, in the spread of IAV to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds from at least a dozen orders engage in dustbathing, including Galliformes. Dustbathing is generally considered a behavioural need for poultry. It involves a precise and orderly sequence of movements repeated over time. The most characteristic movement involves tossing the dust with the wings and undulating the body beneath the dust shower. Thus, repetitive changes in body position during dustbathing could be automatically detected through data processing of body‐mounted accelerometer recordings. The approach was tested in 13 adult male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fitted with a body mounted triaxial accelerometer. Behaviour was video‐recorded for at least 6 h. Observations showed that when the animal lies on its left‐ or right‐side during dustbathing, the lateral (swaying) component of the acceleration vector adopts values of +1 or −1, respectively. Analysis shows that the bird repeats these shifts in body position every 25–60 s. The wavelet analysis (i.e. complex Morlet continuous wavelet transform (CWT)) detected this oscillatory behaviour within the time series as higher power values. This characteristic was used to automate the detection of dustbathing events, for which a threshold value for the maximum power value estimated was established for the corresponding range of scales between 25 and 60 s. The overall general accuracy of this classification method for dustbathing detection was 80%, with individual variations falling within the range of 66%–100%. Finally, an example of the potential of this method in the study of temporal dynamics, such as daily rhythms of dustbathing, is provided. Our results show that combining accelerometry and wavelet analysis could be useful for the assessment of intra‐ and inter‐individual variability in dustbathing dynamics over long‐term studies, even within large complex environments, such as natural habitats or breeding facilities. Moreover, this approach could open doors for future in‐depth studies exploring the relationship between dustbathing and poultry welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Battery poultry houses are subject to infestations by pests, such as the ectoparasitic mites Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778) and Ornithonyssus bursa (Berlese, 1888) which are hematophagous and can cause skin lesions, stress, and even death of hens, leading to significant economic losses. Recent European studies have shown that these mites can also work as vectors of pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore, due to the absence of records on the association between D. gallinae and O. bursa and pathogenic microorganisms in Brazil, the present study aimed to identify pathogenic bacteria through a metagenomics analysis associated with mites collected from a poultry house located in a rural area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul and direct from a skin' person that lives in a farm in the interior of the state of São Paulo (Brazil). For the material collected in Rio Grande do Sul, a higher predominance of endosymbiotic bacteria, and different species of the pathogenic bacteria species Bartonella was observed. On the other hand, some enterobacteria were identified from O. bursa samples, but the amount was not high enough to identify the species. Additionally, the endosymbiotic Wolbachia spp. was identified in both O. bursa samples (pooled and individuals). Besides the detection of Wolbachia, in the individual O. bursa microbiome, we detected Spiroplasma spp. and 'Candidatus Cardinium'. This is the first time that a microbiome study has been made for the species D. gallinae and O. bursa in Brazil, as well as the first time that Wolbachia, Spiroplasma and 'Candidatus Cardinium' was detected in O. bursa samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildfire events are becoming more frequent and severe on a global scale. Rising temperatures, prolonged drought, and the presence of pyrophytic invasive grasses are contributing to the degradation of native vegetation communities. Within the Great Basin region of the western U.S., increasing wildfire frequency is transforming the ecosystem toward a higher degree of homogeneity, one dominated by invasive annual grasses and declining landscape productivity. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hereafter sage-grouse) are a species of conservation concern that rely on large tracts of structurally and functionally diverse sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) communities. Using a 12-year (2008-2019) telemetry dataset, we documented immediate impacts of wildfire on demographic rates of a population of sage-grouse that were exposed to two large wildfire events (Virginia Mountains Fire Complex-2016; Long Valley Fire-2017) near the border of California and Nevada. Spatiotemporal heterogeneity in demographic rates were accounted for using a Before-After Control-Impact Paired Series (BACIPS) study design. Results revealed a 40% reduction in adult survival and a 79% reduction in nest survival within areas impacted by wildfires. Our results indicate that wildfire has strong and immediate impacts to two key life stages of a sagebrush indicator species and underscores the importance of fire suppression and immediate restoration following wildfire events.

Natural ecosystems are under stress due to climate change and impacts are especially prominent at high latitudes. Manifestations of these changes include northward shifts in the distribution of birds, phenological mismatches, improved survival of parasites in the environment and the arrival of new parasite vectors and intermediate hosts. We collected baseline data on parasite infections in the Svalbard rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta hyperborea), which is endemic to two High Arctic archipelagos, by sampling 10 birds caught in September–October 2015 in Van Mijenfjorden, Spitsbergen. Five species were found, three endo- and two ectoparasites. The endoparasites included a nematode, Heterakis sp. (prevalence 10%), and two species of Eimeria, all with direct life cycles. The Eimeria species are provisionally called Eimeria sp. A and sp. B (prevalence 50% and 20%; mean intensity 1560 and 1850 oocysts per g faeces, respectively). Both show morphological similarities with known rock ptarmigan eimeriids, but further taxonomic research is needed to describe their phylogenetic relationships. The two ectoparasites, the ischnoceran chewing lice Goniodes lagopi and Lagopoecus affinis, both showed 90% prevalence and a mean intensity of 18.3 and 5.6, respectively. The eimeriids are host specific, and the chewing lice are common parasites of closely related grouse species. On the basis of our knowledge of rock ptarmigan parasites, Heterakis sp. is considered a generalist parasite. The parasite fauna of the Svalbard rock ptarmigan is impoverished compared with conspecific populations in other Arctic locations, such as Iceland and Greenland.

In internal fertilisers, the precise timing of ovulation with the arrival of sperm at the site of fertilisation is essential for fertilisation success. In birds, mating is often not synchronised with ovulation, but instead females utilise specialised sperm storage tubules (SSTs) in the reproductive tract, which can ensure sperm are always available for fertilisation at the time of ovulation, whilst simultaneously providing a mechanism of post‐copulatory sexual selection. Despite the clear importance of SSTs for fertilisation success, we know little about the mechanisms involved in sperm acceptance, storage, and release. Furthermore, most research has been conducted on only a small number of species, based on which SSTs are usually assumed to look and function in the same way across all species. Here, we conduct a comparative exploration of SST morphology across 26 species of Galliformes. We show that SSTs, and the surrounding tissue, can vary significantly in morphology across species. We provide observational evidence that Galliformes exhibit at least 5 distinct categories of tubule types, including distinctive coiled and multi‐branched tubules, and describe 2 additional features of the surrounding tissue. We suggest functional explanations for variation in tubule morphology and propose next steps for future research. Our findings indicate that SSTs are likely to be far more variable than has previously been assumed, with potentially important consequences for our understanding of sperm storage in birds and post‐copulatory sexual selection in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Birds kept in zoological institutions are highly exposed to gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism caused by coccidia and nematodes. The current research aimed to characterize the avian GI parasitic fauna in several zoological collections in Portugal and Spain. During the full year of 2022, a total of 120 fecal samples were collected from four zoological institutions: Lisbon Zoo, Olivais Pedagogical Farm, and Avian Biodiversity Center (Lisbon, Portugal), and Avifauna park (Lugo, Spain). Analysis was conducted in domestic bird species (autochthonous and exotic poultry breeds), and 18 different exotic bird species like Galliformes (peacock, pheasant), Anseriformes (duck), Psittaciformes (parrot, macaw, cockatiel, parakeet, cockatoo), Coraciiformes (motmot), Charadriiformes (avocet), Strigiformes (owl), Phoenicopteriformes (flamingo), Struthioniformes (ostrich), Rheiformes (rhea), and Casuariiformes (emu, cassowary). Feces were processed using Mini-FLOTAC (MF), to identify parasitic forms and quantify their shedding (oocysts or eggs per gram of feces). Moreover, 15 fecal samples from pheasants were also processed using the McMaster method (McM), to compare the parasite shedding and frequencies between techniques. MF implementation allowed identification of coccidia infections in all bird collections. Also, peacocks of the Lisbon Zoo tested positive for Trichostrongylus tenuis and Strongyloides pavonis, and the exotic birds from Avifauna park were also positive for several nematode species, with Ascaridia sp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Syngamus trachea eggs being detected in pheasants' feces. Moreover, the analysis of pheasants' feces with MF detected prevalences of 33% for coccidia oocysts, and 47% for Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. eggs, while McM detected prevalences of 13%, 27%, and 40% for the respective parasite taxa, with no differences being observed between methods (p = 0.39, p = 0.45, and p = 0.50, respectively). This research provided more scientific support regarding the importance of using Mini-FLOTAC in routine parasitological diagnosis in birds kept at zoological institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes remains of fossil gray partridges from the Lower Pleistocene (1.8–1.5 Ma) deposits of the Taurida Cave in Central Crimea. The smaller gray partridge is referred to the fossil species Perdix jurcsaki Kretzoi, 1962. Another phasianid bird from the cave, which is partly similar to modern Perdix but larger than the latter, is described as Enkuria voinstvenskyi gen. et sp. nov. The spatiotemporal stability of the Early–Middle Pleistocene European gray partridge morphotype makes it possible to synonymize the fossil species P. jurcsaki and P. palaeoperdix Mourer-Chauviré, 1975. Earlier fossil finds of the genus Perdix from the Upper Pliocene–Lower Pleistocene of Eastern Europe and Asia are revised. Perdix margaritae Kurochkin, 1985 from the Upper Pliocene of Mongolia and Transbaikalia is considered a junior synonym of Lophura inferna Kurochkin, 1985. The oldest confirmed find of P. jurcsaki comes from the lower Gelasian (about 2.4 Ma) of the Northern Black Sea region (Kryzhanovka-2 locality; Ukraine). A dispersal of gray partridge to the west of Europe in the second half of the Early Pleistocene is shown. The discovery of the genus Enkuria confirms the existence of the fossil diversity of Perdicini s.s. in the Plio-Pleistocene of Northern Eurasia. Phasianus etuliensis Bocheński et Kurochkin, 1987 from the Lower Pliocene of Moldova is also here assigned to this genus. In addition, the validity of the fossil Early Pleistocene phasianids Francolinus subfrancolinus Jánossy, 1976 and Alectoris baryosefi Tchernov, 1980 is confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to determine the age structure of male capercaillies Tetrao urogallus L., 1758 in Bulgaria based on specimens preserved in collections. We studied 206 birds from the museum collections of the Sitnyakovo Palace (Rila Mnt.) and the National Museum of Natural History, (Bulgarian Academy of Sciences). The age of the birds was determined by the shape of the beak, the shape of the outer feathers of tail, the length of the beak, the length of the beak furrow and the height of the beak at the base. For each of the characteristics used, we divided the birds into three age classes: juvenile (up to 14 months), subadult (between 14 and 60 months) and adult (over 60 months). Of all individuals studied, 92 (44.7%) were juveniles, 64 (31.1%) were subadults and 50 (24.3%) were adults. We found an inconsistency in determining the age of individuals using only one of the characteristics. We proposed to use the angle of curvature of the beak for the age determination. We recommend introducing the requirement to examine more somatometric characteristics in the rare cases when shooting of capercaillies is allowed. This will allow the correct estimation of the age of capercaillies and the accumulation of database information, which will be useful for the management of this difficult to be studied and economically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the genus Avipoxvirus (APV) of the family Poxviridae, Fowlpox virus (FWPV) is of the highest economic importance associated with a severe drop in egg production, retarded growth of younger birds, and sometimes heavy mortality. Despite its worldwide prevalence, the status of fowlpox infection varies in different geographical regions due to differences in climate, vector population, vaccination status, management, and employed hygienic practices. The disease is frequently seen in all production systems, ranging from backyard to commercial poultry flocks due to insufficient vaccination coverage, strain differences or the emergence of novel variants. FWPV can either produce cutaneous lesions (hypertrophy/hyperplasia of epidermal cells) or can affect mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract or digestive system (diphtheritic form). The host specificity has been considered broader than previously thought: (a) 'fowlpox-like viruses' being mainly isolated from Galliformes, (b) 'canarypox-like viruses' from Passeriformes and (c) viruses of Psittaciformes. Currently, fowlpox is considered an evolving disease in the poultry industry with several incidences documented in vaccinated chicken flocks worldwide. Limited reports are available on the antigenic, genetic, and biological characterisation of FWPV and other APVs. Complete genome sequencing of different APVs is necessary to understand its molecular epidemiology which would help to solve the complex paradigm of its host range. In the recent past, FWPV has been used as a vector to produce recombinant veterinary vaccines. This review has briefed the aetiology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical signs, prevention, and control strategies related to fowlpox infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Galloanseres are one of the most widely distributed groups of birds, which occupy different ecological niches and exhibit different evolutionary trends. Mitochondria are widely used in phylogenetic analysis and ecological research due to unique genetic mechanisms and significant physiological functions. Adapting to different environments requires meeting varying energy demands, which is closely related to mitochondria. In this study, we constructed two complete mitogenomes of Aythya baeri and Aythya marila. The phylogenetic and divergence time analysis based on the mitochondrial PCGs were conducted to elucidate the evolutionary process of species within Galloanseres. Additionally, the analysis of selective pressures between the two sister clades, Galliformes and Anseriformes, revealed that different evolutionary directions have shaped distinct evolutionary patterns of mitochondrial genes. The two existing clades of Galloanseres, orders Galliformes (landfowl) and Anseriformes (waterfowl), exhibit dramatically different evolutionary trends. Mitochondria serve as primary sites for energy production in organisms, and numerous studies have revealed their role in biological evolution and ecological adaptation. We assembled the complete mitogenome sequences of two species of the genus Aythya within Anseriformes: Aythya baeri and Aythya marila. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for 142 species within Galloanseres, and their divergence times were inferred. The divergence between Galliformes and Anseriformes occurred ~79.62 million years ago (Mya), followed by rapid evolution and diversification after the Middle Miocene (~13.82 Mya). The analysis of selective pressure indicated that the mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs) of Galloanseres species have predominantly undergone purifying selection. The free-ratio model revealed that the evolutionary rates of COX1 and COX3 were lower than those of the other PCGs, whereas ND2 and ND6 had faster evolutionary rates. The CmC model also indicated that most PCGs in Anseriformes exhibited stronger selective constraints. Our study suggests that the distinct evolutionary trends and energy requirements of Galliformes and Anseriformes drive different evolutionary patterns in the mitogenome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diet studies of cracids have highlighted the group's significance as seed dispersers and the impact of their disappearance from natural environments. However, the diet of Penelope jacucaca remains largely unknown, limiting our understanding of its natural history and potential ecosystem services. In this study, we investigated the diet of P. jacucaca in two Caatinga fragments with varying levels of preservation using fecal material analysis. The diet of the species consisted primarily of fruits, flowers, and leaves, comprising a total of 22 food items. The number of seeds found in individual fecal samples exhibited a negative correlation with individual seed masses. The species demonstrated a preference for zoocoric fruits of different sizes from the local vegetation. The diet varied between the sampled areas, suggesting that P. jacucaca exhibits dietary flexibility based on local vegetation. However, it is also possible that fragmentation affects the nutritional value of the species' diet. Due to its large body size, the White-browed guan can ingest a wide variety of fruits, including larger ones, incorporating seeds that are rarely explored by other birds. We propose that plant species with "large" seeds (> 15 mm), such as Ziziphus joazeiro, Brosimum gaudichaudii, and Ximenia americana, would be mainly negatively affected by the absence of P. jacucaca in the studied areas. The decline in the population of this important seed disperser in the region is likely to have negative implications for the viability of many zoocoric plants, thereby posing a threat to the vegetation of the studied fragments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aim: Different Salmonella serotypes are considered one of the most important food pathogens in the world. Poultry meat and eggs are the primary carriers of Salmonella in human populations. This study aimed to estimate the Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium contamination rates of retail hen and quail eggs in Karaj, Iran. Moreover, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the strains were evaluated, and the efficiency of the standard culture method and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) were compared. Materials and methods: In this descriptive cross‐sectional study over 1 year (Jan–Dec 2022), 150 commercial and 150 backyard hen eggs and 300 commercial quail eggs, without cracks and fractures, were collected randomly from best selling groceries in Karaj city. All samples were examined for Salmonella contamination independently by standard culture and m‐PCR approaches. A standard disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains against 18 antimicrobial agents. Results: Out of 300 examined eggs, 2 S. enteritidis strains were isolated from the shell of backyard hen eggs. The same serotype was also detected in the contents of one of these two eggs. One S. typhimurium was isolated from the shell of a commercial hen egg. Overall, the Salmonella contamination of the shell and contents was 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Salmonella was not isolated from the eggshells or the contents of the quail eggs. There was complete agreement between the results of m‐PCR and the standard culture methods. Among the 18 tested antibiotics, the highest resistance was recorded for colistin (100%), followed by nalidixic acid (75%). Conclusion: As most Salmonella spp. are associated with human food poisoning, continuous surveillance is required to effectively reduce the risk posed by contaminated poultry eggs. Furthermore, mandatory monitoring of antimicrobial use on Iranian poultry farms is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Trichomonas gallinae is a parasite that causes canker and severe loss and death, especially in young pigeons. Metronidazole (MTZ) is the recommended drug for treating avian trichomoniasis. Due to drug resistance, non‐chemical alternatives, such as medicinal plant extracts, are also considered possible therapies for this disease. Objectives: This study compares the antitrichomonal effects of MTZ with extracts of Camellia sinensis and Ziziphus vulgaris on T. gallinae in vitro. Methods: Samples of T. gallinae were taken from infected pigeons. Multi‐well plates with different concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) of plant extracts were used for the in vitro study. Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of C. sinensis extract was 25 µg/mL over 24 h, compared to 50 µg/mL for MTZ. The MIC value of the Z. vulgaris extracts was 50 µg/mL. Conclusions: The results suggest that the extracts of Z. vulgaris and C. sinensis, as potential natural agents, could have anti‐avian trichomoniasis properties. This study also shows that MTZ, C. sinensis and Z. vulgaris are equally effective in preventing the growth of T. gallinae trophozoites in the culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomonas gallinae is a flagellated protozoan parasite that affects numerous avian species worldwide, causing a range of diseases collectively termed trichomonosis. This review study aimed to present a comprehensive analysis of the prevalence of T. gallinae in birds of Iran, along with an exploration of its associated pathological findings. Through an extensive search of published studies, scientific databases, and relevant literature, we identified several studies conducted in Iran that focused on the prevalence of T. gallinae in different bird populations and their pathological effect. These studies utilized a variety of techniques, including direct microscopic examination, culture methods, and molecular tools to detect and identify the presence of this parasite. This review study indicates that T. gallinae infections are prevalent among various bird species in Iran, including Domestic pigeons, Zebra Finches, and Turkey. The reported prevalence rates showed significant differences among various regions and bird species, ranging from as low as 2.5% in zebra finches to as high as 70% in pigeons. The clinical signs of infected birds varied from no clinical signs to visible yellowish-white masses of caseous necrotic material, hyperplasia of mucous cells, and significant congestion of the lung. These findings underline the importance of T. gallinae as a significant pathogen affecting avian populations in Iran. Using at least two techniques, such as culture or PCR, in addition to direct smear is recommended for better diagnosis of infection. The present study highlights the need for further epidemiological studies to better understand the risk factors associated with T. gallinae transmission and to develop effective prevention and control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant flightless bird Gastornis laurenti Mourer-Chauviré and Bourdon, 2020, has been described from a mandible, maxilla and quadrate discovered in the early Eocene locality of La Borie (middle Ypresian, reference level MP 8–9). This locality has yielded abundant fossil vertebrates. We describe here new postcranial remains of G. laurenti , a coracoideum assigned to Tegulavis corbalani nov. gen., nov. sp. (cf. Galliformes), a tarsometatarsus attributed to Papulavis annae nov. gen., nov. sp. (cf. Aramidae), and the tibiotarsus of a small gruiform related to either Walbeckornis or Messelornithidae. The study of the postcranial material confirms that the species G. laurenti differs from other species of Gastornis in many features. The avifauna from La Borie is not very diversified but matches well with the paleoenvironment, which consists of an alluvial flood plain with sparse vegetation, in a tropical climate. LSID of publication : urn: lsid: zoobank.org: pub: 5BA44166-BBEZ-41E7-BG8C-8A1DBCBA14AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In free‐living species, the comparison of eggshell microstructure focus mainly on species representing extremely different reproductive strategies or with phylogenetically divergent taxa. The purpose of this study was to compare the microstructure of the mammillary layer in two bird orders (Galliformes and Anseriformes) representing phylogenetically close precocials, and to relate eggshell microstructure to female body weight and egg characteristics. The results showed significant differences between the studied orders. The mammillary layer in Galliformes had more knobs, and consequently, the percent coverage with them was higher than in Anseriformes. The size of individual knobs did not differ significantly between the orders. The obtained results are consistent with the reports that the ossification at the time of hatching is more advanced in Galliformes, so representatives of this order must resorb more calcium from the eggshell. Egg parameters and female body weight were correlated significantly negatively only with the number of knobs per mm2 for Anseriformes and, to a lesser extent, for Galliformes, but not with the coverage per cent of knobs or the size of individual knobs. Only for the three largest species, which lay proportionally larger eggs than the other species studied, the number of knobs per mm2 was significantly lower, but no difference was found in the per cent coverage of knobs. Our results showed that order was a stronger predictor of microstructure than species. Different ossification patterns of the embryonic skeletal system described in these two orders could be the explanation for the observed differences in eggshell microstructure; however, more research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) has been undergoing a range-wide population decline. Potential causes for declines across its historic range have been investigated for decades and include habitat loss and fragmentation and a variety of parasitic and infectious diseases. Although there have been studies on bobwhite ecology in Oklahoma, USA, relatively little is known about parasites and pathogens in the region. We evaluated the health of free-ranging bobwhites from nine sites in western Oklahoma. From 2018 to 2020, 206 bobwhites were evaluated for gross and microscopic lesions and tested for selected pathogens. In general, bobwhites were in good nutritional condition with ample muscle mass and fat stores. No significant gross lesions were observed in any bobwhite and no significant histologic lesions were detected in a subset. There was no evidence of infection with or exposure to reticuloendotheliosis virus, West Nile virus, respiratory Mycoplasmataceae species, Pasteurella multocida, intestinal Eimeria spp., or oral Trichomonas spp. Several pathogens of potential concern were detected, including avian adenovirus (8.6%), Toxoplasma gondii (2.3%), and haemosporidians (a Haemoproteus sp. (1.5%), Leucocytozoon schoutedeni (1.5%), and Plasmodium homopolare haplotype 2 [lineage LAIRI01; 3.6%]). Physaloptera sp. (12%) and Sarcocystis sp. (1%) were detected in the breast muscle. Low intraspecific genetic diversity was noted for Physaloptera sp., and sequences were most similar to Physaloptera sequences from bobwhites and grasshoppers (Orthoptera) in Texas. Low intensities of chewing lice, chiggers, and ticks were observed. A subset of bobwhites had evidence of exposure to selected toxicants and heavy metals; a small number had low levels of iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, and copper, which were not considered diagnostically relevant. In general, bobwhites from western Oklahoma appeared to be in good health with a low diversity of pathogens detected, but future work is needed to understand potentially changing disease risks for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dermanyssus gallinae, the poultry red mite (PRM), is the most prevalent and harmful ectoparasite of laying hens globally. Although prevalence and risk factor studies can help veterinarians make decisions regarding farm treatments, relevant data are scarce. The present study investigated the prevalence and infestation severity of PRM in poultry farms across Greece and examined potential risk factors. AviVet traps were used to sample 84 farms (51 backyard, 33 industrial) over three years. Farm altitude, temperature, humidity, region, and production systems were assessed as potential risk factors with chi-square tests, initially for all the studied farms and then exclusively for backyard farms. The overall prevalence was 75.0% and was higher in backyard farms (80.4%) compared with industrial ones (66.7%), varying regionally from 66.7 to 90.9%. Altitude and temperature were not significant risk factors, but farms with humidity <60% had a lower infestation risk. Infestation severity did not significantly differ by risk factors. The poultry red mite is highly prevalent across Greek poultry production systems and regions. In the future, global warming, reduced acaricide options, and a ban on cage systems will all threaten a wider spatio-temporal distribution of the PRM, justifying the urgent need for effective monitoring and control methods to protect hen production and welfare and workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The chigger mite Neoschoengastia gallinarum (Hatori, 1920) is a parasite that feeds on the skin tissue of birds across multiple countries in Southeast and East Asia. In domestic chickens, heavy infestations with this mite can lead to skin irritation and damage to the carcass, reducing economic value. In this study, we collected N. gallinarum samples from wild birds of conservation concern and domestic chickens in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand. Sequence analyses of three genes from the mites were compared across four Malaysian populations, one Thai population, and previously published sequences from southeastern China. A variety of methods were applied to classify these sequences and determine the extent of interbreeding between populations. These methods agreed in identifying three clusters of sequences by country of origin, although there was partial overlap between Thailand and China. The populations from Malaysia and Thailand appear to be reproductively isolated from one another and may represent distinct species with almost identical morphological features, except for leg length. Further studies are required to determine if these genetic dissimilarities are accompanied by distinct ecological, behavioural, or pathological differences in N. gallinarum in different regions of Asia. Neoschoengastia gallinarum is widely distributed in Asia, preferentially parasitising birds, and heavy infestations have clinical impacts on domestic fowl. In common with other trombiculid mites, the genetic diversity and potential variation in host preferences or pathology induced by N. gallinarum are poorly understood. This study aimed to unravel the geographical variation and population structure of N. gallinarum collected from galliform birds in Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand by inference from concatenated mitochondrial-encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and nuclear-encoded internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 18S ribosomal DNA gene sequences, including a comparison with previously published data from southeastern China. Our multi-locus sequence analysis revealed three monophyletic clades comprising (A) specimens from Peninsular Malaysia, (B) the samples from Thailand together with a minority of Chinese sequences, and (C) the majority of sequences from China. Similarly, most species delimitation approaches divided the specimens into three operational taxonomic units. Analysis of molecular variance revealed 96.41% genetic divergence between Malaysian and Thai populations, further supported by the absence of gene flow (Nm = 0.01). In conclusion, despite the two countries sharing a land border, populations of N. gallinarum from Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand appear to be genetically segregated and may represent distinct cryptic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomoniasis is a protozoan disease caused by Trichomonas gallinae that mainly affects the upper digestive and respiratory tracts of columbiforms. Metronidazole has been used for many years for the control of trichomoniasis, however, in recent years, there were several reports on resistant T. gallinae strains. Psidium guajava, a well-known medicinal plant species, possesses several biological activities including anti-protozoal effects. Considering growing interest on plant and plant-derived compounds as alternative sources of bioactive chemicals, the present study was performed to evaluate the anti-trichomonal potential of P. guajava leave essential oil (EO) and its main components on T. gallinae trophozoites. EO was extracted from plant fresh leaves by steam distillation using a Clevengertype apparatus and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed for identification of the constituents. In vitro susceptibility assay was done in sterile multiwell plates incubated with the trophozoites and the corresponding concentrations of tested compounds. Metronidazole was used as the standard anti-trichomonal drug. Mortality rates were evaluated by eosin staining and recorded every 12 h for 2 days. The EO composition was dominated by the β-caryophyllene (30.2%) and a-pinene (18.3%). A significant effect of concentration of the tested compound and time of exposure was noted in the toxicity of the EO and its main constituents. Based on the 12 h fifty percent lethal concentrations (LC50), β-caryophyllene was the most potent anti-trichomonal agent, with LC50 of 0.32 µg/mL. Considering the natural source of β-caryophyllene and its reported low cytotoxicity and promising anti-trichomonal efficacy, this compound can be considered as a candidate ingredient for the development of green antitrichomonal agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

the pathologies associated with it in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State Nigeria. A total of 310 domestic pigeons comprising 171 (55.2%) males and 139 (44.8%) females were sampled. Of this number, 133 (42.9%) were sampled during the dry season and 177 (57.1%) were sampled during the wet season. Prevalence of infection, deviations in body weight, haematology, serum proteins as well as gross and histopathological changes were investigated. The prevalence was 67.7% (210 pigeons). Based on sex and season distribution, the prevalence of trichomoniasis was significantly higher in males (P < 0.05) (37.7%) than in females (30.0%) and not significantly higher during the wet season (35.5%) than in the dry season (32.3%) (P > 0.05). The mean (± SD) body weight was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in pigeons infected with Trichomonas gallinae (223.3 ± 47.96 g) than in non-infected pigeons (244.0 ± 46.21 g). The total protein and globulin levels of Trichomonas gallinae-infected pigeons were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the non-infected group. The total leukocyte counts, heterophil, monocyte and eosinophil counts were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the Trichomonas gallinae infected group than non-infected pigeons. Grossly, the lesions observed included raised caseous materials in the crop, pale areas on the proventricular mucosa and congested liver. Microscopically, marked infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells in the mucosa of the crop and proventriculus, with multifocal degeneration and necrosis of the proventricular glands. In conclusion, Trichomoniasis is common in domestic pigeons in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria and the parasite is capable of causing marked pathology in tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galliformes have a global distribution and are bred by humans as domestic animals or game birds. The world's poultry population is increasing due to high consumer demand for poultry products. Due to the increasing growth of Galliformes breeding, this study aimed to investigate gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of some species of Galliformes. In the present study, 100 distinct fecal samples were collected from seven different Galliformes species, including rural chickens, peacocks, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, quails, and guinea fowls. Sampling of each bird was performed separately, and these birds were kept in cages. In order to identify gastrointestinal parasites, the samples were evaluated using the Clayton-Lane method, the Modified Ziehl-Neelsen, and the Trichrome staining methods. Among 100 birds sampled, 53% were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Moreover, 30%, 18%, and 5% of birds were infected with Eimeria spp., nematodes, and Giardia spp., respectively. The highest rate of parasitic infestation in Galliformes was related to protozoan infections, and the highest rate of protozoan infection was related to Eimeria (30%). In addition, complex infestation was not detected. Considering that most parasitic infections have been detected in apparently healthy birds, it is recommended to observe hygiene to regularly disinfect cages and reduce the density of birds in the nests. Due to the zoonotic potential of Giardia and the contamination of some birds with this parasite, this issue should be considered by public health officials, bird sellers' markets, owners, and breeders of these birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and precipitation have been identified as factors that potentially influence eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) reproduction, but robust analyses testing the relationship between weather parameters and turkey nest success are lacking. Therefore, we assessed how weather influenced turkey daily nest survival using 8 years of data collected from 715 nests across the southeastern United States. We also conducted exploratory analyses investigating if weather conditions during or prior to nesting best predicted nest success. We then assessed the possible implications of climate change through 2041–2060 for future eastern wild turkey daily nest survival and nest success for variables determined significant in analyses. During incubation, positive anomalies of minimum daily temperature were associated with greater daily nest survival. Precipitation during nesting was not a good predictor of daily nest survival. Exploratory analyses unexpectedly indicated that weather conditions in January prior to incubation were more important to nest success than weather conditions during incubation. In January, negative anomalies of minimum temperature and greater average daily precipitation were associated with greater nest success. Projections of future nest success or daily nest survival based on these relationships with the predictive covariates, and informed by climate models, suggest that nest success may increase as January precipitation increases and that daily nest survival may increase as temperature during incubation increases. These positive associations could be offset by a negative association between nest success and the expected increases in January minimum average temperature. Additional research is needed to investigate causes of these relationships and assess the implications of climate change for eastern wild turkey poult survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remains of Lyrurus partium Kretzoi, 1962 and "Lagopus" atavus Jánossy, 1974 (tribe Tetraonini, family Phasianidae, order Galliformes) are described from the Lower Pleistocene of the Taurida Cave (Crimea); these are the oldest finds of the grouse in Eurasia outside of Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland). The discovery of the primitive black grouse Lyrurus partium indicates that these birds were part of the savanna-like faunal associations of the Northern Black Sea region (along with Otididae and Struthionidae) in the Early Pleistocene. The origin and evolutionary history of the modern Caucasian black grouse T. mlokosiewiczi Taczanowski, 1875 is discussed. The complete tarsometatarsus of "Lagopus" atavus from the Taurida Cave indicates a separate generic status of this poorly studied Plio-Pleistocene form, which is here transferred to the genus Paralyra gen. nov. Therefore, the presence of ptarmigans (genus Lagopus) in the preglacial Plio-Pleistocene faunas of Eastern Europe is not confirmed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae, is a prevalent and economically significant disease in pigeons. This study investigated the drug resistance of T. gallinae isolates in Guangdong Province, China. The results revealed that 25.3% (20/79) of the isolates were resistant to one or more of the four nitroimidazole drugs tested, namely, metronidazole, dimetridazole, secnidazole, and tinidazole. Secnidazole elicited the highest resistance rate (19.0%; 15/79), followed by tinidazole (17.7%; 14/79), metronidazole (17.7%; 14/79), and dimetridazole (13.9%; 11/79). An enormous majority of the resistant isolates (70.0%; 14/20) exhibited resistance to multiple drugs. Additionally, the resistance rate was significantly higher in isolates from birds aged < 30 days (53.3%; 8/15) than in those from older birds (23.1%; 12/52). Moreover, no drug resistance was detected in female pigeons. The genotype of the isolated strain was also associated with drug resistance. Specifically, 50.0% (15/30) of ITS-B genotypes exhibited resistance to drugs, while only 10.2% (5/49) of ITS-A genotypes demonstrated resistance. This study also found the growth characteristics of different Trichomonas isolates to be influenced by their genotypes and initial inoculum concentrations. These findings underscore the urgent need for effective measures to control and prevent drug-resistant T. gallinae infections in pigeons, thus ensuring the stable development of the pigeon industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some species are able to hybridize despite being exceptionally diverged. The causes of this variation in accumulation of reproductive isolation remain poorly understood, and domestication as an impetus or hindrance to reproductive isolation remains to be characterized. In this study, we investigated the role of divergence time, domestication, and mismatches in morphology, habitat, and clutch size among hybridizing species on reproductive isolation in the bird order Galliformes. We compiled and analyzed hybridization occurrences from literature and recorded measures of postzygotic reproductive isolation. We used a text-mining approach leveraging a historical aviculture magazine to quantify the degree of domestication across species. We obtained divergence time, morphology, habitat, and clutch size data from open sources. We found 123 species pairs (involving 77 species) with known offspring fertility (sterile, only males fertile, or both sexes fertile). We found that divergence time and clutch size were significant predictors of reproductive isolation (McFadden's Pseudo -R 2 = 0.59), but not habitat or morphological mismatch. Perhaps most interesting, we found a significant relationship between domestication and reproductive compatibility after correcting for phylogeny, removing extreme values, and addressing potential biases (F 1,74 = 5.43, R 2 = 0.06, P -value = 0.02). We speculate that the genetic architecture and disruption in selective reproductive regimes associated with domestication may impact reproductive isolation, causing domesticated species to be more reproductively labile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intensification of poultry production has been associated with an increase in parasite prevalence and adaptation of an invasive external parasitic species, such as the poultry red mite (Dermanyssus gallinae). The studies of biological efficacy (contact and fumigant) and level of toxicity to mites indicated that the external application of essential oils (EOs) can be an alternative to acaricides. In this study, the results of acaricidal efficacy of eight selected EOs - Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Laurus nobilus L., Mentha x piperita L., Mentha spicata L., Ocimum basilicum L., Salvia officinalis L., Satureja montana L. and Thymus vulgaris L. are presented. Their chemical profiles were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acaricidal efficacy of EOs (6% concentration) was tested on adult mites over 10 days in laboratory conditions using the Petri-dish method, through direct exposure for 1 min (contact toxicity) and subsequent exposure for 1 h (residual toxicity). The most effective EO in direct exposure-contact, after 48 h of observation, was S. montana (100% toxicity), while the greatest residual effect was observed in T. vulgaris (11% toxicity). The obtained results showed high efficacy of the EOs against the mites through direct contact and thus their great acaricidal potential. However, the activity was lost with subsequent exposure, indicating the absence of prolonged effect. Possible ways to overcome this problem are discussed further in this paper. In any case, the present study confirmed the acaricidal potential of herbal medicines that can be used in the integrated control of poultry red mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Domestication is the process of modifying animals for human benefit through selective breeding in captivity. One of the traits that often diverges is the size of the brain and its constituent regions; almost all domesticated species have relatively smaller brains and brain regions than their wild ancestors. Although the effects of domestication on the brain have been investigated across a range of both mammal and bird species, almost nothing is known about the neuroanatomical effects of domestication on the world's most common bird: the chicken (Gallus gallus). Methods: We compared the quantitative neuroanatomy of the telencephalon of white leghorn chickens with red junglefowl, their wild counterpart, and several wild galliform species. We focused specifically on the telencephalon because telencephalic regions typically exhibit the biggest differences in size in domesticate-wild comparisons. Results: Relative telencephalon size was larger in chickens than in junglefowl and ruffed grouse (Bonasa umbellus). The relative size of telencephalic regions did not differ between chickens and junglefowl, but did differ in comparison with ruffed grouse. Ruffed grouse had larger hyperpallia and smaller entopallial, nidopallial, and striatal volumes than chickens and junglefowl. Multivariate analyses that included an additional three wild grouse species corroborated these findings: chicken and junglefowl have relatively larger nidopallial and striatal volumes than grouse. Conversely, the mesopallial and hyperpallial volumes tended to be relatively smaller in chickens and junglefowl. Conclusion: From this suite of comparisons, we conclude that chickens do not follow a pattern of widespread decreases in telencephalic region sizes that is often viewed as typical of domestication. Instead, chickens have undergone a mosaic of changes with some regions increasing and others decreasing in size, and there are few differences between chickens and junglefowl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poultry red mite, PRM, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer, 1778), is widely regarded as the primary ectoparasite affecting egg-laying hens around the world. Besides direct feeding damage, the transmission of avian pathogens by PRMs is also a significant concern. Therefore, we aimed to screen the presence of 14 common avian pathogens in 32 PRM populations from egg-laying hens in Türkiye. As a result, Salmonella enterica (n=3), Tsukamurella paurometabola (n=18), and Avian fowlpox virus (n=4) (3 of which were wild-type APV) were detected in tested PRM populations. The results showed that the prevalence of avian pathogens in Turkish PRM populations was low. Nevertheless, these findings suggested that PRM can harbor disease-causing agents and may act as a vector in the spread of these pathogens in farms. In addition, four mitochondrial genes (mtDNAs) of D. gallinae, namely ND4, ND5, cytb, and atp6, were amplified, and obtained sequences were submitted to the GenBank database for the first time, which will allow further analyses. The genetic variation within cytb sequences of Turkish PRMs was the highest (1.01%), whereas intra-specific genetic distance was 1.7% when compared to a Chinese population (only available cytb sequence in the GenBank), indicating increasing genetic differentiation by distance. Last, more sequences belonging to mitochondrial genes are required to reveal their potential as molecular markers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mites are considered a threat to the commercial poultry industry due to their direct and indirect pathogenic effects. Dermanyssus gallinae is among the mite species that endanger production, as it is hematophagous and poses a serious sanitary risk. Recently, Tyrophagus putrescentiae has also drawn attention as a potential pest in the poultry industry, and its attacks have been related to clinical symptoms such as cutaneous eruptions and bird restlessness. Considering the potential economic, sanitary, and productive losses both species represent to the laying-hen industry, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of D. gallinae and T. putrescentiae on the health and productivity of commercial laying hens by carrying out infestation experiments and by monitoring laying hens for a period of 60 days. Tyrophagus putrescentiae and D. gallinae affected egg quality and zootechnical parameters in laying hens. Hens infested by T. putrescentiae had behavioral changes, weight loss, stress symptoms, and decreased egg laying and quality, as well as diarrhea, gradual feather loss, and itching. Hens infested by D. gallinae also had weight loss, behavioral changes, and stress symptoms, leading to decreased laying and egg quality. The present study proposes an experimental model to understand the impacts caused by T. putrescentiae and D. gallinae on commercial laying production and egg quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Genus Alpharetrovirus contains viruses pathogenic mainly for chickens, forming the Avian Sarcoma and Leukosis Virus group (ASLV). Cells of most Galliform species, besides chickens, contain genetic elements (endogenous retroviruses, ERVs) that could recombine with other alpharetroviruses or express proteins, complementing defective ASLV, which may successfully replicate and cause disease. However, they are quite unknown, and only ALV-F, from ring-necked pheasants, has been partially published. Upon scrutiny of 53 genomes of different avian species, we found Alpharetrovirus-like sequences only in 12 different Galliformes, including six full-length (7.4–7.6 Kbp) and 27 partial sequences. Phylogenetic studies of the regions studied (LTR, gag, pol, and env) consistently resulted in five almost identical clades containing the same ERVs: Clade I (presently known ASLVs); Clade II (Callipepla spp. ERVs); Clade IIIa (Phasianus colchicus ERVs); Clade IIIb (Alectoris spp. ERVs); and Clade IV (Centrocercus spp. ERVs). The low pol identity scores suggested that each of these Clades may be considered a different species. ORF analysis revealed that putatively encoded proteins would be very similar in length and domains to those of other alpharetroviruses and thus potentially functional. This will undoubtedly contribute to better understanding the biology of defective viruses, especially in wild Galliformes, their evolution, and the danger they may represent for other wild species and the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background and aim Different Salmonella serotypes are considered one of the most important food pathogens in the world. Poultry meat and eggs are the primary carriers of Salmonella in human populations. This study aimed to estimate the Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium contamination rates of retail hen and quail eggs in Karaj, Iran. Moreover, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the strains were evaluated, and the efficiency of the standard culture method and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR) were compared. Materials and methods In this descriptive cross‐sectional study over 1 year (Jan–Dec 2022), 150 commercial and 150 backyard hen eggs and 300 commercial quail eggs, without cracks and fractures, were collected randomly from best selling groceries in Karaj city. All samples were examined for Salmonella contamination independently by standard culture and m‐PCR approaches. A standard disc diffusion method was employed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility of the strains against 18 antimicrobial agents. Results Out of 300 examined eggs, 2 S. enteritidis strains were isolated from the shell of backyard hen eggs. The same serotype was also detected in the contents of one of these two eggs. One S. typhimurium was isolated from the shell of a commercial hen egg. Overall, the Salmonella contamination of the shell and contents was 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Salmonella was not isolated from the eggshells or the contents of the quail eggs. There was complete agreement between the results of m‐PCR and the standard culture methods. Among the 18 tested antibiotics, the highest resistance was recorded for colistin (100%), followed by nalidixic acid (75%). Conclusion As most Salmonella spp. are associated with human food poisoning, continuous surveillance is required to effectively reduce the risk posed by contaminated poultry eggs. Furthermore, mandatory monitoring of antimicrobial use on Iranian poultry farms is recommended.

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Tetrao urogallus (the Western Capercaillie; Chordata; Aves; Galliformes; Phasianidae). The genome sequence is 1,013.2 megabases in length. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 39 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.68 kilobases in length.

This study was designed to perform an association analysis and identify SNP markers associated with production traits of Japanese quail using restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. Weekly body weight data from 805 quail were collected from hatching to 16 weeks of age. A total number of 3990 eggs obtained from 399 female quail were used to assess egg quality traits. Egg-related traits were measured at the beginning of egg production (first stage) and at 12 weeks of age (second stage). Five eggs were analyzed at each stage. Traits, such as egg weight, egg length and short axes, eggshell strength and weight, egg equator thickness, yolk weight, diameter, and colour, albumen weight, age of first egg, total number of laid eggs, and egg production rate, were assessed. A total of 383 SNPs and 1151 associations as well as 734 SNPs and 1442 associations were identified in relation to quail production traits using general linear model (GLM) and mixed linear model (MLM) approaches, respectively. The GLM-identified SNPs were located on chromosomes 1–13, 15, 17–20, 24, 26–28, and Z, underlying phenotypic traits, except for egg and albumen weight at the first stage and yolk yellowness at the second stage. The MLM-identified SNPs were positioned on defined chromosomes associated with phenotypic traits except for the egg long axis at the second stage of egg production. Finally, 35 speculated genes were identified as candidate genes for the targeted traits based on their nearest positions. Our findings provide a deeper understanding and allow a more precise genetic improvement of production traits of Galliformes, particularly in Japanese quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reviews of the Galliformes fo from the Mátraszőlős 3 site in Hungary from the Middle Miocene. A total of 200 bones have so far been recovered from site at Mátraszőlős 3, of which the identification of 95 bones will be discussed in this article, including anatomical differences between species. Within the fossil record, Palaeocryptonix hungaricus (Jánossy 1991) and three species of Palaeortyx have been identify (P. phasianoides Milne-Edwards, 1869, P. gallica Milne-Edwards, 1869 and P. brevipes Milne-Edwards, 1869). Only one bone of P. brevipes was recovered. As the appearance of the members of the family can be traced back to the early Oligocene, while the majority of the species are of Neogene origin, the study contributes to a better understanding of the distribution of extinct pheasant speciesin the Carpathian Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein repeats are a source of rapid evolutionary and functional novelty. Repeats are crucial in development, neurogenesis, immunity, and disease. Repeat length variability and purity can alter the outcome of a pathway by altering the protein structure and affecting the protein−protein interaction affinity. Such rampant alterations can facilitate species to rapidly adapt to new environments or acquire various morphological/physiological features. With more than 11000 species, the avian clade is one of the most speciose vertebrate clades, with near-ubiquitous distribution globally. Explosive adaptive radiation and functional diversification facilitated the birds to occupy various habitats. High diversity in morphology, physiology, flight pattern, behavior, coloration, and life histories make birds ideal for studying protein repeats' role in evolutionary novelty. Our results demonstrate a similar repeat diversity and proportion of repeats across all the avian orders considered, implying an essential role of repeats in necessary pathways. We detected positively selected sites (PSS) in the polyQ repeat of RUNX2 in the avian clade; and considerable repeat length contraction in the Psittacopasserae. The repeats show a species-wide bias towards a contraction in Galloanseriformes. Interestingly, we detected the length contrast of polyS repeat in PCDH20 between Galliformes and Anseriformes. We speculate the length variability of serine repeat and its interaction with β-catenin in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could have facilitated fowls to adapt to their respective environmental conditions. We believe our study emphasizes the role of protein repeats in functional/morphological diversification in birds. We also provide an extensive list of genes with considerable repeat length contrast to further explore the role of length volatility in evolutionary novelty and rapid functional diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichomonas gallinae (T. gallinae) has a great influence on the pigeon industry. Pigeons display different resistance abilities to T. gallinae, so the study of the molecular mechanism of resistance is necessary in breeding disease resistant lines. MiRNA plays important roles in the immune response, but there are still no reports of miRNA regulating trichomonosis resistance. We used small RNA sequencing technology to characterize miRNA profiles in different groups. T. gallinae was nasally inoculated in one day old squabs, and according to the infection status, the groups were divided into control (C), susceptible (S) and tolerant (T) groups. We identified 2429 miRNAs in total, including 1162 known miRNAs and 1267 new miRNAs. In a comparison among the C, S and T groups, the target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were analyzed via GO and KEGG annotation. The results showed that the target genes were enriched in immune-response-related pathways. This indicated that the differentially expressed miRNAs had a critical influence on T. gallinae infection. Novel_miR_741, which could inhibit the expression of PRKCQ, was down-regulated in the T group compared to the C group. It was proven that a decreased novel_miR_741 expression would increase the expression of PRKCQ and increase the immune response. This study brings new insights into understanding the mechanism of trichomonosis resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial microbiota play an important role in the fitness of arthropods, but the bacterial microflora in the parasitic mite Dermanyssus gallinae is only partially explored; there are gaps in our understanding of the microbiota localization and in our knowledge of microbial community assembly. In this work, we have visualized, quantified the abundance, and determined the diversity of bacterial occupancy, not only across developmental stages of D. gallinae, but also in the midgut of micro-dissected female D. gallinae mites. We explored community assembly and the presence of keystone taxa, as well as predicted metabolic functions in the microbiome of the mite. The diversity of the microbiota and the complexity of co-occurrence networks decreased with the progression of the life cycle. However, several bacterial taxa were present in all samples examined, indicating a core symbiotic consortium of bacteria. The relatively higher bacterial abundance in adult females, specifically in their midguts, implicates a function linked to the biology of D. gallinae mites. If such an association proves to be important, the bacterial microflora qualifies itself as an acaricidal or vaccine target against this troublesome pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microsporum gallinae is the fungus responsible for avian dermatophytosis. Arthroconidia are the infective spores that transmit the disease in endemic areas through direct contact. This study investigated germicide combinations for enhanced antifungal activity against M. gallinae arthroconidia. The checkerboard method revealed that benzalkonium chloride with chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride with glutaraldehyde, chlorhexidine with glutaraldehyde, and formaldehyde with glutaraldehyde combinations showed partial synergistic effects against M. gallinae arthroconidia with fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICI) in the range of 0.625-0.750. In contrast, the benzalkonium chloride with formaldehyde and the chlorhexidine with formaldehyde combinations showed an indifferent effect. Time-kill assays of the synergistic combinations showed that concentrations from 50 to 500 × MIC eradicated fungal arthroconidia within 1 min. Environmental scanning electron microscopy demonstrated destruction of the cell membrane and cell wall of arthroconidia. The results of this study show the enhanced potential of germicide combinations for controlling avian dermatophytosis caused by M. gallinae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Over 50% of birds are monomorphic, showing no sexually dimorphic traits, and in nestlings, the percentage is even higher. Early sex determination can be of great value in the management of wild birds, breeding of different bird species, improvement of breeding programs of captive birds, and evolutionary studies fields, and also for bird owners. In this study, we performed molecular sexing of wild and companion birds from various orders, such as Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, Galliformes, Anseriformes, Passeriformes, and Psittaciformes. Samples of oral swabs, feathers, and blood were collected from 43 birds. Conventional PCR was used to amplify the CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes. The obtained results show that all types of samples can be used for molecular sexing of the studied species of birds. In conclusion, instead of using blood samples, our recommendation is to use minimally invasive samples (oral swabs and feathers) and test both types of samples on each bird. Birds are highly social and must be paired in order to increase their welfare. Most bird species are monomorphic; therefore, molecular sexing helps provide appropriate welfare for birds. Moreover, early sex determination can be of great value for bird owners. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that sex identification in birds achieved using molecular methods and samples collected via minimally invasive methods is fast, efficient, and accurate. A total of 100 samples (29 paired samples of feathers and oral swabs and 14 tripled samples of feathers, oral swabs, and blood) from 43 birds were included in this study, as follows: wild birds (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, landfowl—Galliformes, waterfowl—Anseriformes) and companion birds (Passeriformes, Psittaciformes—large-, medium-, and small-sized parrots). Amplification of CHD1-Z and CHD1-W genes was performed via conventional PCR. The results obtained from feathers were compared to those obtained from oral swabs and to those obtained from blood samples, where applicable. The obtained results show that all types of samples can be used for molecular sexing of all studied bird species. To the best of our knowledge, the present study reports, for the first time, molecular sex identification in Red Siskin (Carduelis cucullata) and Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis major). For higher accuracy, our recommendation is to use minimally invasive samples (oral swabs and feathers) and to test both types of samples for each bird instead of blood samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes the successful control of poultry red mite [PRM] (Dermanyssus gallinae) infestations in an experimental laying hen house via a combined use of cleaning and disinfection measure, the preventive application of a synthetic silica-based acaricide and frequent mite monitoring. The high number of PRM in the laying hen house was reduced by 99.8% by treatment with fluralaner (Exzolt®, MSD Animal Health Unterschleißheim, Germany; 0.5 mg/kg body weight via drinking water twice, 7 days apart). After the laying hens were removed, the hen house was dry-cleaned, wet-cleaned and disinfected. After drying, synthetic amorphous silica (Fossil Shield® instant white, Bein GmbH, Eiterfeld, Germany) was applied as a preventive measure before the hen house was restocked with pullets for two housing periods of 58 and 52 weeks. Over these periods (i.e. more than 2 years), no PRM was detected during mite monitoring at two-week intervals via tube traps and visual monitoring. This result therefore suggests that the combined use of appropriate chemical and physical prevention measures within an integrated pest management regime can be successfully used for the long-term control of PRM. This could reduce the use of acaricidal drugs, thereby helping maintain their efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information regarding the past occurrence in the Făgăra Mountains of four species of Galliformes (Lagopus muta, Lagopus lagopus, Lyrurus tetrix and Alectoris grae++++++++++++++ca), as it results from the ornithological literature review, is shown in this paper. It was concluded that Lagopus muta and Lyrurus tetrix surely lived in the area, from where recently disappeared, mainly due to the human pressure, while the status of the species Lagopus lagopus and Alectoris graeca still remains uncertain. While it can be considered as a history of the ornithological researches in the area, principally, the work was created as a useful tool for those interested to start projects to restore bird species that have disappeared from the Făgăra Mountains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is the first study in Mosul to use genetic sequencing technology to diagnose and document the type, strain, and genotype of Trichomonos gallinae in racing pigeons. It was distinguished by the geographical sequence of Mosul, Iraqi city. Thirty isolates of T. gallinae were chosen from a total of 56 that had been molecularly characterized to examine the extent to which these isolates matched in terms of genetic sequencing. The DNA from the T. gallinae parasite was extracted, and the master mix for all of the polymerization reaction components was created based on the needed quantities of the reaction components for each sample. The acquired sequences were matched to known sequences in databases to determine the trichomonos species parasite and strain responsible for the infection. The results of the DNA sequencing examination revealed that after the polymerase chain reaction amplification products were sent to Macrogen, Korea, to determine the genetic variation of the local strains, the products of the small subunit rRNA-Gene and the reaction product of bp 194 of the Trichomonos gallinae parasite were sent to the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, NCBI Gen Bank, for recording. Based on the small partial ribosomal RNA according to blast in GenBank of the NCBI, the percentage of match in the genetic sequence was 100% between the genetic sequence in Mosul and the genetic sequences in Brazil and Portugal. France, Spain, Iran, Poland, Prague, Hungary, Australia, and the United States are among the countries involved. The Trichomonas gallinae genetic sequence in racing pigeons from Mosul has been discovered for the first time in the GenBank database, revealing a 100% match with other countries' sequences. This discovery reveals the pathogen's worldwide dissemination and interconnection, aiding in the development of effective diagnostic procedures, preventive measures, and targeted treatments. The discovery also emphasises the need for cooperation in monitoring and regulating the spread of the infection, supporting a collaborative strategy against avian diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]