The breeding of wild birds in captivity assumes an increasingly important role in conservation due to the loss of species and their habitats. Providing the environmental and nutritional needs of species kept in captivity is the key for achieving success in such initiatives. Among the flock health practices, we highlight here wild bird vaccination, a scarcely studied subject. This study clinically and serologically evaluates the effect of applying a vaccination protocol against Newcastle disease in three groups of ornamental wild birds. The responses observed in 10 ornamental chickens were compared to those recorded in 12 ring-neck pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), 6 psittacines (2 cockatiels Nymphicus hollandicus, 2 lorikeets Trichoglossus haematodus molucanos, and 2 eastern rosellas Platycercus eximius), and 6 touracos (2 guinea Tauraco persa, 2 white-cheeked Tauraco leucotis, and 2 violet Musophaga violacea). One drop of each live Newcastle HB1 and La Sota vaccines were ocularly instilled on the 1st and 21st experimental days, respectively. On the 112th day, one shot of an inactivated oily Newcastle vaccine was intramuscularly injected. Serum samples were submitted to the Newcastle disease virus antibody Test Kit ELISA-BioChek. Except for the psittacines, other bird species showed a considerable increase in the antibody titers. However, their mean antibody titers differed significantly (P < 0.05) from that recorded in the chickens.

Illegal capture and trade of wild birds has long been a threat to biodiversity. Translocation—the release of individuals from one location into another—is a useful conservation tool in the management of species. However, both health (such as different pathogens) and adaptive (such as local adaptation), differences among populations must be taken into account, as both can impact the recipient population negatively. Here, we provide health and genetic information to support release planning for two of the most trafficked Brazilian wild bird species (Paroaria coronata and Saltator similis). We focused on two fundamental questions: Are there significant differences in pathogen load between wild and captive populations? Is there significant genetic structure among populations? In total, 223 free-living birds were captured, sampled, and released at the same site. Devices and live decoys characteristics were top factors influencing captures. We tested blood, feces, and oropharyngeal swabs from free-ranging (n=101) and confiscated (n=92) birds for Newcastle disease virus, Salmonella spp., and Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Genetic structure among populations was investigated using mtDNA in a subsample of these birds. We found no evidence for Newcastle disease virus and Salmonella spp. in seized and free-living birds from both species. However, seized P. coronata and S. similis may be potential sources of M. gallisepticum. We found significant but low genetic structure among populations occurring in different Biomes (ΦCT=0.26 for P. coronata; ΦCT=0.13 for S. similis) and no significant structure among populations occurring in the Pampa Biome. These results suggest that while it may be important to screen seized birds for avian pathogens, genetic structure among populations seems to be of lesser concern when planning the release of seized songbirds in the wild.

Digestive disorders caused by sudden changes in diet or inappropriate diet are among the most common disorders of the digestive system. Cecal or intestinal tympany, one consequence of inappropriate diet, is characterized by the accumulation of gases, marked distension of the cecum and colon and the induction of inflammatory processes. To know the effects of intestinal tympany on the enteric plexuses, we developed a method of experimental tympanic colic (TC) in the Chinchilla lanigera. This species was used in view of its susceptibility to TC. TC was induced with a diet rich in alfalfa associated with grain overload for two weeks. Physical and clinical examination including the von Frey test confirmed the diagnosis. The chinchillas with acute abdomen were treated with 1% ketoprofen and resumption of a balanced diet. Necropsy and histopathological analysis showed tympany-induced alterations mainly in the cecum and colon. After treatment, the control conditions were restored. The TC protocol is proposed as an experimental approach designed to aid the study of the effects of acute intestinal inflammation and obstruction caused by an inappropriate diet.