Background: Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) can spread across continents via migratory birds. Hence, we investigated the frequency of NDV in both non-migratory and birds migrating on the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway, in Istanbul, Turkey. Birds were trapped using nets placed around the Kucukcekmece lake Avcilar, Istanbul, in spring seasons of 2016 and 2018. In total, 297 birds belonging to 42 different species were trapped, categorized according to species and sex, and flocked oropharyngeal swabs were collected. In addition, flocked swabs were also collected from 115 mallards caught by hunters around Edirne and from 207 birds which had been treated in the Veterinary Faculty of Istanbul university-Cerrahpasa. Tissue samples were taken from dead wild birds brought by public to Veterinary Faculty. A total of 619 flocked oropharyngeal swabs were pooled into 206 samples. RNA was extracted from swabs and tissue samples. Real-time RT-PCR prob. assay was used to detect NDV-RNA in samples. Results: There was no amplification in real time RT-PCR in samples taken from wild birds caught by traps. However, amplification of NDV-F gene was observed in oropharyngeal swabs taken from 2 waterfowls (Common Moorhen and Mallard), and in tissue samples taken from 2 little owls and 1 common kestrel. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of these 5 samples for NDV-F gene showed great similarity with NDV subgenotype VII.2 viruses. Analysis also showed that there is a high similarity with the F gene sequences previously reported from Turkey in 2012 and as well as the sequences from neighbouring countries Bulgaria and Georgia and geographically close country such as Pakistan. Although the strains found in this study are closely related, there is a relatively small degree of molecular divergence within 543 bp of F gene of the Turkish NDV isolate and strains detected in Israel, Pakistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Belgium. Conclusions: Our findings revealed the presence of subgenotype VII.2 of NDVs in wild birds in north west of Turkey and demonstrated some degree of molecular evolution when compared to the earlier NDV-VII.2 isolate in Turkey.

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This study was conducted to identify the occurrence and types of trauma-related ocular disorders in 114 birds belonging to 39 species. For this purpose, both detailed neurological examination and ophthalmologic examination results of the birds admitted to our clinics with a trauma history or trauma findings are presented. Thirty cases were evaluated to suffer from trauma-related eye injuries. Uvea lesions (n=12) were the most frequent disorder of traumatic eye injury. On cranial nerve assessment, anisocoria, pupillary light reflex, menace response, globe and third eyelid position, palpebral reflex, and nystagmus were evaluated. The most frequent neurologic finding of traumatic eye injury was anisocoria (n=9). Ophthalmologic examination accompanying neurological examination is the most important factor in the early management of traumatic birds.

The aim of this study was to determine the type of lesions in birds referred to the clinic with the complaint of beak deformity, the potential presence of the lesions among the bird species, and the possible causes of the lesions and to report what treatment should be applied. Twentysix individuals from several bird species with broken beaks and abnormal beak deformities were presented to our clinics. Different forms of beak deformities were observed, and the causes of some of the lesions were determined as unknown. Beak lesions in wild birds were mostly traumatic fractures, whereas cage birds had parasitic infections and abnormal beak elongation due to nutritional disorders. Treatment protocols appropriate for each case, severities of the lesions, underlying causes, and species of the birds were determined.