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Cutaneous plantar papillomas are a relatively common lesion of wild psittacine birds in Australia. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to investigate the potential aetiologic agent(s) for a plantar cutaneous papilloma in a wild rainbow lorikeet (Trichoglosis moluccanus). In the DNA from this lesion, two novel viral sequences were detected. The first was the partial sequence of a herpesvirus with the proposed name, psittacid alphaherpesvirus 6, from the Mardivirus genus of the family alphaherpesviruses. This represents the first mardivirus to be detected in a psittacine bird, the first mardivirus to be detected in a wild bird in Australia, and the second mardivirus to be found in a biopsy of an avian cutaneous papilloma. The second virus sequence was a complete sequence of a hepadnavirus, proposed as parrot hepatitis B genotype H (PHBV-H). PHBV-H is the first hepadnavirus to be detected in a wild psittacine bird in Australia. Whether other similar viruses are circulating in wild birds in Australia and whether either of these viruses play a role in the development of the plantar papilloma will require testing of biopsies from similar lesions and normal skin from other wild psittacine birds.

Aves polyomavirus 1, psittacine beak and feather disease virus, and psittacid herpesvirus 1 are important pathogens of psittacine birds with the potential to cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Using publically available nucleotide sequences, we developed and validated a triplex real-time PCR (rtPCR) assay to rapidly detect these 3 viruses. The assay had high analytical sensitivity, detecting

Islands have been used as model systems for studies of speciation and extinction since Darwin published his observations about finches found on the Galapagos. Amazon parrots inhabiting the Greater Antillean Islands represent a fascinating model of species diversification. Unfortunately, many of these birds are threatened as a result of human activity and some, like the Puerto Rican parrot, are now critically endangered. In this study we used a combination of de novo and reference-assisted assembly methods, integrating it with information obtained from related genomes to perform genome reconstruction of three amazon species. First, we used whole genome sequencing data to generate a new de novo genome assembly for the Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata). We then improved the obtained assembly using transcriptome data from Amazona ventralis and used the resulting sequences as a reference to assemble the genomes Hispaniolan (A. ventralis) and Cuban (Amazona leucocephala) parrots. Finally, we, annotated genes and repetitive elements, estimated genome sizes and current levels of heterozygosity, built models of demographic history and provided interpretation of our findings in the context of parrot evolution in the Caribbean.

In vertebrates, cannabinoids modulate neuroimmune interactions through two cannabinoid receptors (CNRs) conservatively expressed in the brain (CNR1, syn. CB1) and in the periphery (CNR2, syn. CB2). Our comparative genomic analysis indicates several evolutionary losses in the CNR2 gene that is involved in immune regulation. Notably, we show that the CNR2 gene pseudogenized in all parrots (Psittaciformes). This CNR2 gene loss occurred because of chromosomal rearrangements. Our positive selection analysis suggests the absence of any specific molecular adaptations in parrot CNR1 that would compensate for the CNR2 loss in the modulation of the neuroimmune interactions. Using transcriptomic data from the brains of birds with experimentally induced sterile inflammation we highlight possible functional effects of such a CNR2 gene loss. We compare the expression patterns of CNR and neuroinflammatory markers in CNR2-deficient parrots (represented by the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus and five other parrot species) with CNR2-intact passerines (represented by the zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata). Unlike in passerines, stimulation with lipopolysaccharide resulted in neuroinflammation in the parrots linked with a significant upregulation of expression in proinflammatory cytokines (including interleukin 1 beta (IL1B) and 6 (IL6)) in the brain. Our results indicate the functional importance of the CNR2 gene loss for increased sensitivity to brain inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parrots are one of the rare animal taxa with life-long vocal learning. Parrot vocal repertoires are difficult to study in the wild, but companion parrots offer a valuable data source. We surveyed the public about mimicry repertoires in companion parrots to determine whether vocal learning varied by (1) species, (2) sex, (3) age, and (4) social interaction with other parrots. Species differed significantly in mimicry ability, with grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) having the largest mimicry repertoires. Analyses of all birds (n = 877) found no overarching effects of sex, age, or parrot-parrot social interactions on mimicry repertoires. Follow up analyses (n = 671), however, revealed a human bias to assume that talking parrots are male, and indicated that five of the 19 best-sampled species exhibited sex differences. Age-specific analyses of grey parrots (n = 187) indicated that repertoire size did not increase during adulthood. Most parrots were capable of improvisation (e.g. rearranging words) and used mimicry in appropriate human contexts. Results indicate that parrot vocal production learning varies among and within species, suggesting that the mechanisms and functions of learning also vary. Our data provide a rich foundation for future comparative research on avian vocalizations, and broaden our understanding of the underpinnings of communicative behavior and learning across all animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In precision agriculture, remote sensing using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can well complement and, in several cases, even completely replace satellite imagery. However, it is important to harmonize their signals for consistent use. In this work, the problem of spectral harmonization is considered. We propose two new methods of spectral harmonization: method of root-polynomial correction (RPC) and model-based spectral harmonization (MBSH). The methods are evaluated on a synthetic dataset that is generated using AVIRIS hyperspectral data and known spectral sensitivities of two sensors: Sentinel-2A (satellite) and Parrot Sequoia+ (UAV). The RPC has outperformed all state-of-the-art methods in most bands. The MBSH method, despite of moderate result, has an important advantage: it does not require retraining for sensors with different spectral sensitivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A challenge with species that have disappeared from most of their range is to identify the correlates of local persistence. With species decimated by trade, site‐specific trapping risk is hard to capture by remotely accessed predictors. The recently split yellow‐crested cockatoo Cacatua sulphurea and citron‐crested cockatoo C. citrinocristata have undergone catastrophic declines due to habitat loss and especially trapping, and are now extinct in much of their former range across Indonesia. Of 144 sites on 30 islands known to contain the species in 1950, only 76 on 27 islands did so in 2017–2019, with many of the other 68 experiencing extinctions between 1985 and 2000. We compared socio‐ecological conditions such as forest cover and loss, human population density and infrastructure, and protected area status between the occupied and unoccupied sites, using 'random forests' within decreasing time intervals 1950–2015. Populations on Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara were more likely to become extinct than those on Sumba, Timor‐Leste and small remote islands. Sites retaining cockatoos had high proportions of tree cover, low road density and low human densities. The relative importance of these factors changed little over time, but road density and human density became respectively more and less important in recent years. The examination of local conditions at 'false negative' sites (where cockatoos survived contrary to model predictions) showed that, particularly in recent years, cockatoo survival has been promoted by site‐specific protection due to traditional beliefs, NGO activities, dedicated individual residents and local topographic barriers. Some of these local influences add complexity to the task of conserving cockatoo strongholds, but also offer exciting possibilities for low‐cost conservation prescriptions tailored to individual sites. Studies combining field and remotely sensed data, and examining false negative sites for beneficial location‐specific conditions, have broad application for the conservation of taxa with once‐large ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 23-year-old male double yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona ochrocephala oratrix) presented for a traumatic maxillary beak fracture. On initial examination, the parrot had an open complete fracture of the rostral third of the maxillary beak that exposed the underlying pre-maxillary bone and blood supply. A supporting apparatus was created using five 23-gauge hypodermic needles, placed at varying angles through the rostral edges of the exposed bone, forming a pyramidal scaffolding for the prosthesis. One layer of dental acrylic was applied over the apparatus. Two 28-gauge wire loops were placed laterally through the rostral rhinotheca followed by a second layer of acrylic. The inside-out approach for securing the scaffolding apparatus provided enhanced stability against the strong kinetic forces of the parrot's beak. This allowed the parrot to return to normal diet and activity very rapidly after the procedure. Six months after placement, the prosthesis came off revealing a partially regenerated rhinotheca. The open rostral maxillary fracture in this Amazon parrot was managed by means of a scaffolding framework and dental acrylic prosthesis that resulted in an immediate return to beak function and normal regrowth of the rhinotheca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bite force represents a critical measure of an animal's feeding capabilities and has been analyzed in the context of ecology and body size in numerous vertebrate lineages. Among birds, bite force potential has been comprehensively quantified in finches; however, no in vivo data have been reported within parrots (order: Psittaciformes), and an anatomical estimate of bite force has been calculated for only two species. Despite this paucity of data, the parrot feeding system represents one of the most functionally interesting among tetrapods, exhibiting many anatomical novelties unique among birds and contributing to locomotion when parrots climb vertical surfaces. Within this study, we present in vivo bite force data from six rosy‐faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) at a range of gapes (2.5–10 mm, or 20–50°). These data are contextualized against more than 70 other avian taxa for which bite forces have been previously reported. Our findings demonstrate that bite forces decreased iteratively with each increase in gape size, with all between‐group differences yielding statistical significance. Relative to other birds, Agapornis, Psittacus, and Myiopsitta all exhibit larger bite forces than would be expected for their body size. We infer that the diet of parrots – many of which are specialized granivores, capable of crushing large and mechanically resistant seeds – may have contributed to their relatively strong biting capabilities. This interpretation is supported by other recent studies highlighting how the mechanical properties of foods drive bite forces in other vertebrate lineages, such as lizards and bats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional characteristics of the jaw apparatus, for example bite force, in vertebrates is a combination of the skeleton and the musculature. In birds, bite force has been measured directly or calculated using various methods including summation of forces generated by the different elements of the jaw musculature. However, there have been no reports of the relationships between body size with the mass of the different muscle groups in a closely related group of birds. This study explored allometry in the different jaw muscle masses from parrot (Psittaciformes) species differing in body mass by 40-fold. It was hypothesised that the different muscle masses would exhibit isometry with body mass and skull size. Parrot heads were dissected and the masses of the individual muscle complexes were recorded. Data were subjected to phylogenetically-controlled regression analysis to document scaling effects with body mass and skull size. Most, but not all muscles, exhibited positive allometry with body mass but most were isometric with skull size. Consequently, as parrots get bigger, their skulls get proportionally longer, but that the muscles within the head isometrically scaled relative to the size of these proportionally larger skulls. The large muscles imply greater bite forces in parrots than have been reported to date, which seems to be associated with an increase in skull size to accommodate more muscles. It is unknown whether this pattern is applicable to other birds within specific orders or even across birds as a whole. There needs to be further investigation into the allometry of the morphological and functional properties of the avian jaw musculature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

John Kinsella is a prolific writer from Western Australia. This article takes a topopoetic approach to considering his poetry and poetics by connecting studies of Yi-Fu Tuan's topophilia and the paradoxical views of Zhuangzi and Thoreau in illustrating some tensions between language and place, connection and disconnection, and placement and displacement in Kinsella's writings. In particular, I discuss Kinsella's affective ties to the land and his anti-pastoral stance by parodying the European settlement on Country traditionally owned by Indigenous peoples. His poetry presents a dystopian world that challenges the old European sense of a pastoral society. By making connections between a Chinese sense of the earth and Kinsella's poetics, I argue that as paradoxical as Kinsella's poetics may be, his writings, imbued with influences from different sources, demonstrate an effort to save the worsening earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brucks (Anim Cogn 25(2):473–491, 2021) have published an intriguing paper on the differing abilities of various species of parrots to succeed in a delay of gratification task. I find their interspecies comparisons of considerable interest but take exception to their misrepresentation of prior research on delayed gratification from our laboratory in Koepke (J Comp Psychol 129:339–346, 2015). Contrary to their claims, our subject was never trained on the task; rather, one might argue instead that all their subjects received considerable training or at least forms of pre-exposure that could affect their overall claims. I also briefly discuss other design features that may have affected their results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is caused by avian bornavirus (ABV) has been identified in psittacine, non-psittacine birds and waterfowl. Birds may show signs of gastrointestinal tract deficit or neurological dysfunction or even both. The objectives of this study were to determine the molecular prevalence, risk factors and public awareness of ABV and PDD among captive and non-captive birds in Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 344 cloacal swabs or faeces were collected and subjected to detection using the RT-PCR assay. Meanwhile, KAP questionnaires were distributed by using the Google forms platform. Molecular prevalence studies revealed that 4.5% (9/201) of the pet birds were ABV-positive, whereas 0% (0/143) in waterfowl. Nine positive pet birds were identified to be PaBV-2, which is closest to ABV isolates EU781967 (USA). Among the risk factors analysed, category, age and, location, were found to show an association with the ABV positivity. The KAP survey result showed: the respondents have low knowledge (32.9%), however, they showed positive attitude (60.8%) and good practice (94.9%). The association between knowledge, attitude and practice showed that there was a significant association between knowledge-attitude and also attitude-practice (P<0.05). This study proved that avian bornavirus (ABV) causes proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) among a group of pet birds of Psittaciformes, but it is present in Peninsular Malaysia with a low prevalence rate. Furthermore, in addition to the useful databases obtained from this study, the level of public awareness on the importance of avian bornavirus that causes fatal disorders among a wide range of bird species is satisfactorily raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) caused by parrot bornavirus (PaBV) infection is an often-fatal disease known to infect Psittaciformes. The impact of age at the time of PaBV infection on organ lesions and tissue distribution of virus antigen and RNA remains largely unclear. For this purpose, tissue sections of 11 cockatiels intravenously infected with PaBV-4 as adults or juveniles, respectively, were examined via histology, immunohistochemistry applying a phosphoprotein (P) antibody directed against the bornaviral phosphoprotein and in situ hybridisation to detect viral RNA in tissues. In both groups of adult- and juvenile-infected cockatiels, widespread tissue distribution of bornaviral antigen and RNA as well as histologic inflammatory lesions were demonstrated. The latter appeared more severe in the central nervous system in adults and in the proventriculus of juveniles, respectively. During the study, central nervous symptoms and signs of gastrointestinal affection were only demonstrated in adult birds. Our findings indicate a great role of the age at the time of infection in the development of histopathological lesions and clinical signs, and thus provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis, possible virus transmission routes, and the development of carrier birds posing a risk to psittacine collections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Explanations of pantropical distributions are challenging for taxa that diverged during the Cenozoic, after Gondwana broke apart. The 'boreotropics hypothesis' suggests that pantropical birds originated in the Laurasian forests. Extant parrots (Psittaciformes) are one the most species‐rich pantropical avian clades, but their known evolutionary history does not fit a boreotropical origin. Most living parrots and the earliest diverging lineages of the Psittaciformes inhabit the remnants of Gondwana, whereas the oldest stem and crown fossils are from the remnants of Laurasia. Our study proposes a biogeographic hypothesis that focuses on the Cenozoic connections between Laurasia and Gondwana to explain extant and fossil geographical distributions. Location: Global. Taxon: Psittaciformes. Methods: We generated a time tree using previously derived data from 32 molecular markers for 312 parrot species and reconstructed their biogeographic history using maximum likelihood. Two scenarios were compared: one with dispersal constrained to adjacent areas, including the connections between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, and one without this constraint. Results: Our results indicate that the pantropical distribution of parrots was shaped by two major geological events. First, the final breakup of parts of Gondwana may have caused the first splits within crown parrots, establishing two parallel radiations: Psittacidae in the Neotropics and Psittaculidae in Australasia. Second, igneous palaeoprovinces could have connected major biogeographic realms. It seems that Atlantogea and Eurogondwana were important, as they connected South America, Africa and Europe, thus reconciling the Gondwanan crown splits and the early Laurasian fossils. Main Conclusions: Our time tree allowed more concise biogeographic correlations between parrots and their sister group, the passerines and Earth's tectonic history. The crown lineages of Psittacopasseres appear to have originated in the Southern Hemisphere remnants of Gondwana, but stem lineages appear to have been able to disperse into the Northern Hemisphere through palaeobiogeographic provinces in the Cenozoic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on quadcopter control design and uses the Simulink Support Package for Parrot Minidrones to test various control approaches. This project's goal is to bridge the knowledge gap between control design and implementation, making it simpler to comprehend the fundamental ideas of control theory. Obtaining a dynamic model of the quadcopter, linearizing the system around an equilibrium point, designing PID controller on the linearized system, and then verifying the controllers on the non-linear model using simulations and test flights with the actual drone are the key components of this research. The tuned controllers are validated by trajectory tracking, setpoint regulation, and disturbance rejection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nestboxes have been deployed for parrots and cockatoos (Psittaciformes) worldwide, but there is limited evidence of their efficacy for these species. We examined the use of nestboxes by endangered South Australian Glossy Black Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami halmaturinus, a habitat specialist that feeds almost solely on the seeds of Drooping Sheoak Allocasuarina verticillata trees, and investigated the factors that influenced nestbox use. Between 1998 and 2017, the mean annual proportion of nesting attempts that successfully fledged a chick was similar in nestboxes (52%, n = 547) and natural hollows (53%, n = 627). Nestbox use increased over time, which may reflect changes in the size and extent of the Glossy Black Cockatoo population over the study period. Nestboxes were more likely to be used by Glossy Black Cockatoos if they were close to the nest of another breeding pair and were not occupied by Yellow‐tailed Black Cockatoos Zanda funerea early in the breeding season. Nestboxes were also more likely to be used if they had been used in the previous breeding season, indicating nest‐site fidelity. The amount of A. verticillata feeding habitat in a 1‐km and 5‐km radius did not significantly influence nestbox use. Our study provides further evidence of the value of nestboxes to cockatoo conservation programmes, but also suggests that multiple factors other than local food availability influence uptake by a target species. Given that Glossy Black Cockatoos prefer to aggregate their nests, nestboxes for this species are most likely to be beneficial when they are used to expand the capacity of existing breeding areas or are clustered in the landscape. Our study demonstrates that well‐designed nestbox deployments should consider the preferred social groupings of cockatoos during the breeding season, and the location of competitor species, in order to maximize nestbox uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult neurogenesis is the life-long process of neural stem cell proliferation, differentiation into neurons, migration, and incorporation into the existing neuronal circuits. After decades of research, it is now widely accepted that mammals and birds retain the capacity to regenerate neurons even after their subadult ontogeny. Cerebrospinal fluid participates in the regulation of the neurogenic niches of the vertebrate brain through signaling pathways not fully elucidated. Proteomic studies of cerebrospinal fluid have the potential to allow the in-depth characterization of its molecular composition. Comparative studies help to delineate those pathways that are universally critical for the regulation of neurogenesis in adulthood. In this review, we performed literature-based data mining in studies using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy that analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples from healthy adult humans (Homo sapiens); mice (Mus musculus); sheep (Ovis aries); chickens (Gallus gallus); and two parrot species, the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) and cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). We identified up to 911 proteins represented in cerebrospinal fluid, involved in various pathways regulating adult neurogenesis. However, only 196 proteins were common across humans, mice, and birds. Pathway components involved in nervous system development, cell migration, and axonal guidance were commonly evident in all species investigated so far. Extensive bioinformatic analysis revealed that the universally over-represented pathways involved L1 cell adhesion molecule protein interactions, cell-adhesion molecules, signals regulating extracellular matrix remodeling, regulation of insulin growth factor signaling, axonal guidance, programmed cell death, immune signaling, and post-translational modifications. Most of the reported proteins are part of extracellular vesicles enriched in cerebrospinal fluid. However, the information presently available is still highly fragmentary, and far more questions persist than are answered. Technological advances will allow cerebrospinal fluid comparative proteomic research to delve into the fundamental processes of adult neurogenesis and eventually translate this research into any regenerative interventions.

The current study aimed to detect virulence, hetero-pathogenicity, and hybridization genes in Escherichia coli strains, previously isolated from cloacal swabs in commercial breeding psittacines and zoological collections, via multiplex PCR. A total of 68 strains of E. coli , previously isolated from psittacines in zoos and commercial breeding facilities in Ceará, Brazil, were assessed for the presence of the following genes and/or probes: eae , bfpA (EPEC - Enteropathogenic E. coli), CVD432 (EAEC - Enteroaggregative E. coli); LT gene and ST gene (ETEC - Enterotoxigenic E. coli); ipaH (EIEC - Enteroinvasive E. coli); stx1 and stx2 (STEC - Shiga toxin-producing E. coli); iroN , ompT , hlyF , iss , and iutA (APEC - Avian pathogenic E. coli). Of the 68 E. coli strains analyzed, 61 (98.7 %) were positive for the following genes and/or probes: Stx1 (61/98.7 %), ST gene (54/79.4 %), CVD432 (49/72 %), bfpA (44/64.7 %), eae (42/61.8 %), Stx2 (41/60.3 %), ipaH (34/50 %), LT gene (33/48.5 %), iroN (21/30.9 %), hlyF (11/6.2 %), iss (06/8.8 %) and iutA (06/8.8 %). The following diarrheagenic pathotypes were identified: 66 (97 %) from STEC, 49 (72 %) from EAEC, 35 (52 %) from EIEC, 25 (37 %) from ETEC, and one (1.5 %) from EPEC. Regarding hetero-pathogenicity, 50 (74 %) heterogeneous strains were identified. Positivity for APEC was seen in four (6 %) strains, all characterized as pathogenic hybrids. This study describes significant associations of virulence factors in E. coli strains DEC/DEC and DEC/APEC, which were isolated from psittacines and may be potentially harmful to One Health. • Psittacines under human care can carry potentially zoonotic pathogens. • Diarrheagenic and avian pathogenic Escherichia coli can share genes and vice versa. • Virulence factors in E. coli highlight the importance of effective sanitary control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of temperament of the order Psittaciformes has been expanding over the past decades due to the publication of papers investigating individual differences in various species. This review aimed to integrate studies on the temperament of Psittaciformes in a systematized manner, focusing on methodological aspects. It also aimed to reveal the main dimensions of temperament described for these species, identify possible gaps and suggest new themes that deserve the scientific community's attention. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology was followed, and the search was conducted using Population, Intervention, and Context (PICo) terms. Three databases were used (Scopus, Web of Science, and CABI), resulting in a total of 24 publications included. The most used term to express consistent interindividual behavioral differences was 'personality' (11; 45.83 %), followed by 'temperament' (8; 33.33 %), without a clear distinction of both in this research field. Studies on temperament were conducted within the families Psittacidae (18; 75 %), Psittaculidae (4; 16.67 %) and Cacatuidae (2; 8.33 %), with the genus Amazona being the most investigated (14; 58.33 %). Regarding context, all papers used animals under human care (kept in captive environments). In total, 22 temperament dimensions were compiled, with 'boldness' (or 'shy-bold' axis or 'shyness-boldness'), 'neophobia/neophilia', 'exploration', and 'vigilance' being the most common. Quantitative methods of assessment (coding) were more commonly applied, being used in 19 (79.17 %) publications, compared to qualitative ones (rating methods). Among the factors related to temperament, pre- and post-release behavior was the most investigated (5; 20.83 %). We could conclude that studies were concentrated on a few taxonomic groups, highlighting the need to broaden the subjects studied, including other families, genera, and species. Furthermore, it would be interesting to expand the temperament evaluations into wild contexts to better understand consistent interindividual differences in parrots' natural behaviors. More efforts should be directed towards methodological and conceptual standardization, in addition to applying temporal consistency analyses. Some additional gaps that have not been studied yet include research on the genetic basis, as well as morphophysiological and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying temperament in Psittaciformes. • A systematic review about temperament in Psittaciformes birds was conducted. • The search resulted in 24 publications, with Psittacidae and Cacatuidae families. • The most registered temperament dimensions were boldness, neophobia/neophilia, exploration, and vigilance. • Among the factors related to temperament, pre- and post-release behavior was the most investigated. • Several gaps were identified in this field of study, presenting opportunities for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outbreaks of fish trypanosomiasis are regularly reported in cultured groupers (Epinephelus spp.), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), and many other species of Cyprinidae, but only rarely reported in ornamental fish. This study reports a trypanosomiasis outbreak in farmed blood parrot cichlids (Vieja melanura ♀ × Amphilophus citrinellus ♂) in the Nansha district, Guangzhou, Guangdong province. From May 2021 to January 2022, up to 100 fish died daily with an estimated overall mortality of 20%. Blood samples were collected from 21 sick fish, characterized by reduced feeding, slow movement and swimming close to the surface of the water, and 5 asymptomatic fish for parasite examination. Wet blood mounts and Giemsa-stained smears showed that trypanosomes were found in 20 of 21 sick fish (95.2%) and 4 of 5 (80%) asymptomatic fish. Parasitemias were recorded at levels of up to approximately 108 trypanosomes /ml of blood. Morphological and genetic analysis showed that the trypanosome infecting blood parrot cichlids was Trypanosoma carassii danilewskyi. In addition, histopathological analysis showed a severe steatosis in liver and an aggregation of pigments in the spleen and kidneys, which are likely to be melanomacrophages. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an outbreak of trypanosomiasis found in farmed blood parrot cichlids. • The first outbreak of trypanosomiasis caused high mortality in farmed ornamental fish. • Trypanosoma carassii danilewskyi is highly prevalent in both sick fish and asymptomatic fish. • Trypanosomiasis is linked with severe steatosis and melanomacrophage aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species of plants and animals thrive in urban habitats and stand to gain from the global trend in increased urbanization. One such species, the Red-crowned Parrot (Amazona viridigenalis), is endangered within its native range but seems to thrive in urban landscapes. While populations of endangered synanthropic species may be uncommon, they can act as genetic reservoirs and present us with unique conservation and research opportunities. We sought to determine the red-crowned parrot’s level of dependency on urban areas, as well as the climatic and anthropogenic drivers of their distribution throughout the United States. We built national level species distribution models for the USA using Maxent and correlated presence points derived from field work and citizen science databases to environmental variables for three Red-crowned Parrot populations: two naturalized (California and Florida) and one native (Texas). We found current occupancy to be 18,965 km2 throughout the three states. These three states also contained 39,429 km2 of high- and medium-quality habitats, which, if occupied, would represent a substantial increase in the species range. Suitable habitat showed a strong positive correlation with urbanization in areas where average monthly temperatures were at least 5 °C. The current and predicted distributions of Red-crowned Parrots were closely aligned with urban boundaries. We expected populations of Red-crowned Parrots and other synanthropic species to grow due to a combination of factors, namely, continued urbanization and the effects of climate change, which increase the size and connectivity of a suitable habitat. For some imperiled species, urban habitats could prove to be important bastions for their conservation.

The article presents a study of the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy of drugs of etiotropic action Ivermikol drops and Aversectin ointment for cnemidocoptosis in budgerigars. Treatment was directed to the study of etiotropic therapy of acaricidal drugs in relation to the causative agents of invasion in sick birds and in the environment. Extensibility and intensity (EE and IE) of the drugs were assessed on the 6th, 22nd and 36th days after the treatment. A study group of budgies suffering from knemidocoptosis was given the following treatment regimen: ivermicol drops, chlorhexidine and Perlen multivitamized grain mixture for food. According to the treatment, on the 6th day in budgies, the extensibility was 0 %. On the 22nd day of treatment in 4 parrots during microscopic examination of scrapings from the affected areas, Knemidocoptes mites were found. Thus, the extensibility of ivermicol drops was 33.3 %. On the 36th day, the extensibility of the treatment of parrots with ivermicol drops was 100 %. Thus, the results obtained make it possible to recommend the indicated scheme for the treatment of ornamental birds for knemidocoptosis. Thuse of the treatment of sick budgerigars according to a different scheme (aversectin ointment, chlorhexidine and multivitamized Perlen grain mixture for nutrition) also proved to be effective. However, on the 22nd day of treatment, microscopic examination of scrapings from the affected areas revealed Knemidokoptes mites in 5 parrots, thus, the extensibility of aversectin ointment was 16.7 %. On the 36th day of treatment in parrots of the control group, which were treated with aversectin ointment, the EE of treatment was 66 %, since 2 out of 6 parrots remained sick, which required further treatment. The dynamics of the EE and IE of ivermicol drops and avesectin ointments on the 6th, 22nd, and 36th days of the study indicate the highest therapeutic efficacy of ivermicol drops. Thus, the use of ivermicol drops as a means of etiotropic action in the cinemidocoptosis of budgerigars is effective.