Search

Las garzas que se reproducen en colonias presentan requerimientos ecológicos similares e intensifican sus relaciones interespecíficas. Sin embargo, estas especies pueden coexistir al segregarse temporal y espacialmente. Se estimó el número de nidos de ocho especies de garzas (Ardea alba, Egretta thula, E. caerulea, E. tricolor, E. rufescens, Bubulcus ibis, Nycticorax nycticorax y Cochlearius cochlearius) durante la temporada reproductiva marzo a agosto de 2018 en Isla Pájaros, Laguna Mar Muerto, Oaxaca- Chiapas, México. Así mismo, se estimaron las abundancias de las parejas reproductoras, el patrón temporal y espacial de reproducción por especie, y se describió el sitio de anidación. Se contaron nidos en 96 parcelas y se midieron ocho variables ambientales. Se registraron 1018 nidos, donde B. ibis presentó el mayor número de parejas reproductoras (299), seguida por E. tricolor (213) y E. thula (142). Las especies menos abundantes fueron C. cochlearius (35) y E. caerulea (33). La distribución de los nidos en la isla varió espacial y temporalmente entre parcelas al igual que la composición de especies y la abundancia de nidos por parcela (P < 0,001). Se registró una distribución vertical en la construcción de los nidos de al menos tres especies, mientras que las cuatro garcitas de similar tamaño (E. thula, E. caerulea, E. tricolor y B. ibis) anidaron juntas en las partes intermedias. Se registraron agrupaciones entre las especies y características de la vegetación. Los patrones de distribución espacial y temporal de estas especies permiten entender el uso de un recurso común durante la reproducción.

Avian influenza (AI) has a worldwide distribution and affects domestic and wild birds, thus causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. This study was carried out to detect avian influenza virus H5 antibodies and nucleic acidin some wild birds [Laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis), Speckled pigeons (Columba guinea), Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), Senegalese parrots (Poicephalussenegalus), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Geese (Anseranserini)] in Zaria and its environs, Kaduna State Nigeria. Sera were tested for avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 antibody using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of each bird species (8-10 samples) were tested for AIV nucleic acidusing one-stepreverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results revealed overall prevalence of 6.62% and 3.85% for AIV antibody and nucleic acid respectively. Based on species, AIV antibody was detected in laughing dove (10%), speckled pigeon (13.64%) and mallard (19.05%).Also, AIV antigen was detected in Senegalese parrot (20%).In conclusion, AIV antibody and antigen were detected in wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. Thus, these species of birds could play significant roles in the spread of this virus to chickens. Therefore, measures to limit the interactions of these wild birds with chickens should be implemented to minimize the spread of AI.

Background Heavy metal accumulation in the ecosystem constitutes a potential toxic effect which is hazardous to human health. Increasing environmental pollution has necessitated the use of cattle egrets to evaluate the levels of heavy metal contamination, to establish their use in biomonitoring of heavy metals and to provide data for monitoring pollution in the environment. Results The present study assessed the utilization of Bubulcus ibis in monitoring pollution in five abattoirs, namely Agege, Bariga, Kara, Itire and Idi-Araba, all situated in Lagos State. The concentration of five (5) heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) was determined in the liver, muscle and feather of Bubulcus ibis using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The trend of metal accumulation was in the order: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Ni for all the sampled tissues. The mean tissue concentrations of the metals were significantly different (p p p Conclusion All the studied heavy metals were present in the liver, muscle and feathers of the cattle egrets. The contamination levels were ascertained from the study which indicated that cattle egrets are useful in biomonitoring studies and the generated data will serve as baseline data which could be compared with data from other locations for monitoring heavy metal pollution.

Purpose: Our study focused on Pied Grow and Cattle Egret, two commensal and ubiquitous birds feeding in dumps and frequenting our homes. Our aim was to identify the bacteria that birds bring to our homes and could be a potential risk to Congolese health. Method: We have done bacteriological analyses of bird feces for to explore its gut microbiota composition. The feces were collected in the uricotelic cloaca by using a swab in 52 Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and 23 Pied Crows (Corvus albus) captured from January 2019 to January 2020 in the same dumps from the city of Kinshasa. Results: The findings reveal the presence of following microorganisms, namely Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter spp, Escherichia coli in the feces of birds. It should be noted that these birds are contaminated when they frequent and feed in landfills around our residences or hospitals. The bacterial composition of the intestinal flora estimated from feces is different from one bird to another and from the bird species to another in the same catch site. Conclusion: Commensal birds constitute the potential sources of infectious diseases transmission if hygienic conditions are not respected, including the regular disposal and treatment of waste in the city. Molecular studies are required in order to determine the antibiotic resistance gene of these microorganisms and the impact of these bacteria on avian diversity in this region.

The natural occurrence of solar eclipses can cause various impact on bird species. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the partial solar eclipses on changes in behavior of three species of Ardeidae in the Rancabayawak, Gedebage, Bandung, West Java. The research method used was qualitative which direct observation sampling technique was applied. The results of study showed that three bird species of Ardeidae namely Javan Pond-Heron (Ardeola speciosa Horsfield 1821), Buffalo Egret (Bubulcus ibis Linnaeus 1758, and small egrets (Egretta garzetta Linnaeus 1766) with total population 566 individuals were recorded in the resting and breeding place of bamboo trees and surrounding area of Rancabayawak during the partial solar eclipse.The behavior of these tree bird species, including sound of chicks, sunbathing, preening the feather, and flying of individual adults went out the resting and breeding place of bamboo trees observed tend to be normal before occurring the partial solar eclipse. During the partial solar eclipse, however, the sound of the chick stopped for a second. Some individual adult birds stopped involve in preening their feather. While, some adult individual birds were flying go back to the nest of bamboo trees that may be assumed it has already late afternoon due to dark of sun shine. Implication of this research have been considered to be very important for contributing the scientific knowledge on bird behavior changes caused by natural phenomena of the partial solar eclipse.

Bubulcus ibis ibis (Linnaeus, 1758) LITERATURE. — Green & Sayer (1979); Holyoak & Seddon (1989); Thonnérieux et al. (1989); Dowsett (1993); Aimassi & Levi (1993); Weesie (1996); Balanca & de Visscher (1997); Mauvais (1998); Borrow & Demey (2001, 2014); Portier (2002b, c); Thiollay (2006a); Balanca et al. (2007); Sinclair & Ryan (2010); Pavia et al. (2012); Dowsett et al. (2013); Williams et al. (2014). MUSEUM MATERIAL. — ISFC 004. FIELD DATA. — eBird; GBIF; WABD. STATUS. — Resident., Published as part of Boano, Giovanni, Belemsobgo, Urbain, Silvano, Fabrizio, Hema, Emmanuel M., Belemsobgo, Aristide, Dimobe, Kangbéni & Pavia, Marco, 2022, An annotated checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso, pp. 27-107 in Zoosystema 44 (2) on page 46, DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2022v44a2, http://zenodo.org/record/5999691, {"references":["GREEN A. A. & SAYER J. A. 1979. - The birds of Pendjari and Arly National Parks (Benin and Upper Volta). Malimbus 1: 14 - 28.","HOLYOAK D. T. & SEDDON M. B. 1989. - Distributional notes on the birds of Burkina Faso. Bulletin of the British ornithologists' Club 109: 205 - 216. https: // doi. org / 10.25226 / bboc. v 139 i 2.2019. a 7","THONNERIEUX Y., WALSH J. F. & BORTOLI L. 1989. - L'avifaune de la ville de Ouagadougou et ses environs (Burkina Faso). Malimbus 11: 7 - 39.","DOWSETT R. J. 1993. - Afrotropical avifaunas: annotated country checklists, in DOWSETT R. J. & DOWSETT- LEMAIRE F. (eds). A Contribution to the Distribution and Taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy birds Tauraco Research Report 5, Tauraco Press, Liege: 1 - 322.","AIMASSI G. & LEVI L. 1993. - Catalogo della collezione ornitologica di Villa Brea (Chieri, To). II. Specie non europee. Rivista Piemontese di Storia Naturale 14: 217 - 230.","WEESIE P. D. M. 1996. - Les oiseaux du Sahel Burkinabe: peuplements d'hiver, capacite de charge des sites. Alauda 64: 307 - 332.","BALANCA G. & DE VISSCHER M. - N. 1997. - Composition et evolution saisonniere d'un peuplement d'oiseaux au nord du Burkina Faso (Nord-Yatenga). Malimbus 19: 68 - 94.","MAUVAIS G. 1998. - Recensement des especes d'oiseaux de Bois de Boulogne a Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) en saison de pluie. Alauda 66: 324 - 328.","BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2001. - Birds of Western Africa. Christopher Helm, London, 832 p.","BORROW N. & DEMEY R. 2014. - Field Guide of the Birds of Western Africa. II edition. Christopher Helm, London, 592 p.","PORTIER B. 2002 b. - Inventaire annuel des oiseaux d'eau au Ranch de Gibier de Nazinga (BF): Methodologie, analyse des resultats 2001 et 2002 et recommandations. Bureau Wallonie-Bruxelles- APEFE, Ouagadougou.","THIOLLAY J. - M. 2006 a. - Large Bird Declines with Increasing Human Pressure in Savanna Woodlands (Burkina Faso). Biodiversity and Conservation 15: 2085 - 2108. https: // doi. org / 10.1007 / s 10531 - 004 - 6684 - 3","BALANCA G., CORNELIS D. & WILSON R. 2007. - Les oiseaux du complexe WAP. ECOPAS. Cirad, Montpellier.","SINCLAIR I. & RYAN P. 2010. - Birds of Africa south of the Sahara. II edition. Struik Nature, Cape Town, 768 p.","PAVIA M., BOANO G., SILVANO F. & MAMADOU K. 2012. - New bird records from southwestern Burkina Faso. Malimbus 34: 57 - 81.","DOWSETT R. J., ATKINSON P. W. & CADDICK J. A. 2013. - Checklist of the birds of Burkina Faso: 1 - 12. https: // www. africanbirdclub. org / [accessed 14 October 2013].","WILLIAMS V. L., CUNNINGHAM A. B., KEMP A. C. & BRUYNS R. K. 2014. - Risks to Birds Traded for African Traditional Medicine: a Quantitative Assessment. Plos One 9: e 105397. https: // doi. org / 10.1371 / journal. pone. 0105397"]}

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is capable of infecting a broad range of intermediate hosts. Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a species of herons that is common in Egypt. This work aimed to study the prevalence of T. gondii in cattle egret which is an efficient tool of investigating environmental contamination with T. gondii. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum, heart and brain tissues of 51 cattle egrets were collected from Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt and tested using Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) and mice bioassay. RESULTS There was a detection rate of 13.7% (7/51) in these birds using MAT. By intraperitoneal injection of mice with heart and brain tissues digest of MAT positive birds, the parasite was isolated from two T. gondii sero-positive birds (28.6%). The mice bioassay was confirmed by MAT, Hematoxylin and Eosin (HAND E) staining of the brain of the infected mice, also by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing. CONCLUSION This is the first report of T. gondii infection in cattle egret from Egypt and more studies are needed on Egyptian wildlife to understand the sylvatic life cycle of the parasite.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the variation in populations and species of the family Ardeidae through an evaluation of environmental habitat characteristics in the breeding sites of the family Ardeidae in Muan Yongwol, Korea. The study area has been protected as a Natural Monument (No. 211) in Korea and is located in Yongwol, Muan, in Korea. The monitoring of the herons was performed in October 2015 and from February to September 2016. The monitoring of vegetation, fish, benthic macroinvertebrates, and amphibian was performed in April and July of 2016, and the monitoring of land insecta was conducted in July 2016. The populations of the Ardeidae family in the Muan Yongwol-ri habitat of egrets and herons were recorded as 840, 1155, 1211, and 52 for Ardea cinerea, Egretta alba, Egretta garzetta, and Nycticorax nycticorax, respectively. Bubulcus ibis was not found. Terrestrial insects were found in 10 orders, 62 families, and 142 species. Benthic macroinvertebrates were in 11 orders, 15 families, and 18 species, and the predominant species was Chironomidae sp. Fish were found in two orders, three families, and nine species, and Carassius auratus were dominant. The proportions of fish, amphibian, reptilia, insecta, and others for food of Ardeidae were observed at 56.9%, 20.2%, 6.4%, 14.7%, and 1.8%, respectively. The area of the nest trees of Ardeidae family was approximately 8805 m2. The nest tree counts of Pinus thunbergii, Quercus serrata, and Quercus acutissima in the breeding sites were 147, 3, and 3, respectively, and all dead trees were Pinus thunbergii. The levels of salinity and available phosphate were much higher in the breeding site of the Ardeidae family than they were in control area. A management plan should be followed in this breeding area, such as understory vegetation thinning, soil improvement, or transplanting nest trees.

It remains a major concern that sperm structure has continued to be poorly investigated and reported in avian species. To our knowledge, sperm structure in the order Pelecaniforme has not been reported. Although McFarlane (1963; Proceedings of the XIII International Ornithological Congress; Ithaca, NY; American Ornithologists' Union) reported the study of spermatozoa in two genera and two species of the family Ardeidae, he did not provide an account, or the names of the species examined. The present report on the sperm structure of the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, is, thus, the first in the order Pelecaniformes (this bird has been placed variably under the order Ciconiiformes, or the order Pelecaniformes). Five sexually mature and reproductively active male cattle egrets were obtained from the wild, humanely euthanized, the reproductive organs dissected out, and tissues from the ducti deferentia were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. The sperm structure of this bird is generally similar to that described for most non-passerine birds. However, the acrosome is a short, conical or bullet-shaped, blunt-ending organelle that lacks a perforatorium. The base of the acrosome is flat and makes contact with the nucleus along, a correspondingly flat plane. The nucleus, thus, ends anteriorly in a flat plane devoid of a concavity or a rostrum, and an endonuclear canal. The acrosomal and nuclear features of this bird are, therefore, main deviations from the situation in the non-passerine clade of birds.

In African countries, birds damage to cereal crops represents economic losses. Serial field trials had been conducted to study some ecological aspects associated with harmful and beneficial bird species at newly reclaimed areas in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Regarding the harmful bird species, it is clear that the house sparrow, Passer domesticus niloticus was the most prevalent species in newly reclaimed areas, throughout the different year seasons. Hooded crow, Corvus corone sardonius ranked the second followed by palm dove, Streptopelia senegalensis egyptica and rock dove, Columba livia schimpari. On the other hand, crested lark, Galerida cristata and little green bee-eater, Merops orintalis clepatra were found in a few numbers during all seasons of the year. For the beneficial bird species, the results revealed that 9 beneficial and resident bird species Black-winged kite, Elanus coeruleus; fantailed warbler, Cisticola juncidis; hoopoe, Upupa epops epops; kestrl, Falco tinnunculus;little owl, Athene noctua glaux; swallow, Hirundo rustica savignii; spur winged plover, Hoplopterus spinosus; yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava and cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis ibis. White wagtail, Motacilla alba alba and chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita were found abundantly only in winter and spring seasons. With respect to the loss caused by harmful birds, the results revealed that the average of birds damage to wheat and sorghum varied according to the type of habitats. The highest birds damage occurred in crops of nearby trees, while the lowest damage was in those nearby field crops. Also, the most birds damage was recorded in the first 10 meters then, it decreased gradually towards the middle of the field. In conclusion, house sparrow, caused the most serious damage at ripening stage of considered crops. The highest damage was occurred in most cases during the ripening stages of sorghum than that of wheat crop.

Different heavy metals accumulate in the environment due to intensive human activities, which adversely affect wildlife. Biota usually develops different biological responses to face such stress; analysis of these biological responses could be used as a biomarker of pollutants. The current study aimed to compare hematologic and biochemical parameters in cattle egret collected from industrial and rural sites in New Damietta City, Egypt, to assess the effect of heavy metal pollution. Selected heavy metals concentrations including copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg) were measured for the two sampling sites in aerosols from ambient air, feathers, and blood samples. Some hematological, biochemical parameters and oxidative stress markers were measured in the blood using a non-invasive method. Sampling was done in summer and winter during 2015-2016. Heavy metal concentrations in aerosols from the industrial area were significantly higher than those from the rural site. The highest concentrations of all heavy metals in both sites were recorded in summer. Cattle egret from the industrial area showed a significantly decreased RBCs count and PCV level and increased WBCs count, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, uric acid, ammonia, creatinine, bilirubin, and cortisol levels. Moreover, birds from the industrial area suffered from environmental stress as indicated by elevations of MDA, GPx and catalase activity in industrial birds as compared to rural birds. In conclusion, birds from the industrial areas were adversely affected by the elevated concentrations of selected heavy metals, so it could be used as an effective bioindicator of environmental contamination.

The crop architecture varies among different avian species consistent with their feeding habits. Therefore, twenty-one of mature healthy male pigeons (granivorous), cattle egrets (carnivorous), and ducks (omnivorous), seven per species, were utilized for the histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Histologically, the mucosal folds were covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the three investigated species. The mucosal glands are only peculiar to the crops of the cattle egrets as well as the ducks, while the pigeons' crops were devoid of any secretory units. Morphometrically, the optical densities of the Alcian blue (AB) and periodic acid Schiff (PAS) reactions in the secretory glands, the area % of collagen fibers, the thickness of the tunica musculosa were measured and declared significant differences among the three studied avian species. Immunohistochemical reaction revealed ki-67 immuno-positive reactivity in the nuclei of basal cell layers of the crop epithelium in pigeons only. Regarding ultrastructure investigation, the covering epithelium of all studied species had been shown to be the basal layer of cuboidal to tall columnar cells with desmosomal junctions at the level of their cellular interdigitation, intermediate layers of large irregular polygonal cells with obviously increased cytokeratin filaments especially in the ducks and cellular interdigitation in between. The superficial layer of flat-shaped cells in the three investigated species manifested by desmosomal junctions in between but at the level of the surface squamous cells of the superficial layer, a fine lateral process is only inspected in the pigeons. In conclusion, the crop glands characterized by supranuclear electron dense secretory granules in the cattle egrets and electron-lucent in ducks.

The study of the nesting birds of the coastal riparian zones in Great Kabylia in Algeria, allowed us to identify 45 species of birds, belonging to 12 orders and 26 families. The richest site in terms of species is Takdempt (31 species). The lowest diversity is noted at the level of Boudouaou wadi with 16 species. The values of the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H') for all sites are quite high (≥3 bits). Concerning the global abundance of avifauna, the site that represents the highest centesimal frequency is that of Takdempt (20.87 %) and this is due to the presence of a colony of Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758). The bird communities of the sampled sites are not identical, but the degree of similarity, in general, is quite high (≥ 50 %). The main factors controlling the diversity and the structure of the avifauna of Great Kabylia coastal riparian zones are represented by vertical and horizontal vegetation structure

Capsule: Collective roosting behaviour of the Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis was influenced by the weather and the season.Aims: To document the roosting behaviour of the Cattle Egret and assess the rel...

The highest value of cattle egret birds were in fields nearby water canals during 2014/2015 and 2015/2016, while the lowest value was recorded in fields nearby buildings, field crops and trees. However, the highest value of abundance during March 2015 and April 2014, followed by March 2016 and April 2015, May 2014 and May 2015. While, the lowest value of population abundance of cattle egret were in June, July, August 2014 and August 2015 and January 2015 and 2016, February 2015 and 2016, September 2014 and 2015 and December 2014 and 2015. The highest value of cattle egret in Tahta district was in spring 2014 and 2015 and winter 2015 and 2016. While, the lowest value was recorded in autumn 2014 and 2015. The breeding period of cattle egret was reported to be from January to August,2016. The egg laying pattern of the cattle egret revealed that the time interval between the two successive laying's was approximately 30-36 hours. Cattle egret lays five clutches which extend from 3 to 26 January to 5/August, 2016 breeding season, respectively. Clutch size was recorded to be 1 to 5 eggs, 3 being the commonest and exceptionally 1 during the study period with 60.00% of nests with three eggs, 15.00% with four, 10.00% with two and five eggs and remaining 5.00% with one egg. Minimum of incubation period of Cattle egret birds was (19 days). The maximum incubation period was 22 days during breeding season. Hatchability of egrets differed according to clutch; its value was 70.58% at the first clutch, 73.68% at the second clutch, 72.22% at the third clutch, 69.69% at the fourth clutch, respectively. The lowest percentage of hatching was recoded in fifth clutch (65.52%), during breeding season 2016.

Some waterbird species are believed to have an impact on other waterbird species as they are able to usurp a limited habitat and destroy vegetation. In this study, we have analysed the nesting dynamics of five waterbird species: Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, that had settled in a colony in the Royal Castle Park of Racconigi (Cuneo, NW Italy) over a 17-year period (2000 to 2017). The Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret settled in the colony in 2008 and 2012, respectively. We analysed the relationships between the number of breeding pairs of the five species. In addition, we used the time series forecasting method to study the nesting dynamics and the impact of the new settlements on the pre-existing colony. The number of nests of the Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret increased annually, and these species significantly affected the nesting trends of the other pre-existing species: Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Egret. The Grey Heron mainly suffered from the occupation of its old nests by the Great Cormorant from 2008 to 2013. However, since 2014, the Grey Heron has been able to react, by displacing its breeding site to the tops of trees adjacent to the old heronry, and this has resulted in an even greater number of nests than before 2008. The Black-crowned Night Heron and the Little Egret suffered more from the settlement of the new species than the Grey Heron did, and started to suddenly or gradually abandon the breeding site. The colony has been modified profoundly by the settlement of the Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret, and it is still subject to dynamics that could transform it in the coming years.

The concentration of 12 elements (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn) has been investigated in the feathers of three species of Ardeidae, namely the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, the Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and the Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, all breeding at a colony located in the southern Padana Plain (NW Italy). This study is a first step for an evaluation of possible direct effects of these elements on chicks&rsquo, survival and growth rate. Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn were in the range 7&ndash, 69 mg Kg&minus, 1, while lower levels of Pb, Ni, As, and Se (0.27&ndash, 1.45 mg Kg&minus, 1) were measured. Co, Cd, and Cr were close to the method detection limits (MDLs) in all the species. The measured concentrations of the most abundant trace elements, such as Zn and Cu, seem to reflect the geochemical pattern of the background (running water and soil), while Hg concentration is lower and it appears to be biomagnified, particularly in Grey Heron feathers. Its concentration is higher in adults than in chicks, and it differs among the three species, as it is closely related to the fish-based dietary pattern. The measured trace elements&rsquo, concentrations are below the threshold levels in all the heron species, and consequently, harmful and acute effects on the local population are unlikely, the conservation status of herons populations in northern Italy is probably more affected by other factors, such as climate changes, altered aquatic environment, and, consequently, food quality.

Avian influenza (AI) has a worldwide distribution and affects domestic and wild birds, thus causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. This study was carried out to detect avian influenza H5 antigen and antibodies in some wild birds in Zaria and its environs, Nigeria. A total of 136 wild birds, comprising 20 Laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis), 22 Speckled pigeons (Columba guinea), 25 Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), 25 Senegalese parrots (Poicephalus senegalus), 21 Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 23 Geese (Anseranserini) were used for the study. Some of the birds (Laughing doves, Speckled pigeons, Cattle egrets and Senegalese parrots) were captured around poultry houses, while others (Mallards and Geese) were sampled from live bird markets (LBMs). Blood samples, oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected from each bird. Sera were tested for avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 antibody using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of each bird species (8-10 samples) were tested for AIV antigen using one-step reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results revealed overall prevalence of 6.62 % and 3.85 % for AIV antibody and antigen respectively. Based on species, AIV antibody was detected in Laughing dove (10 %), Speckled pigeon (13.64 %) and Mallard (19.05 %). Also, AIV antigen was detected in Senegalese parrot (20 %). In conclusion, AIV antibody and antigen were detected in wild birds in Zaria. Thus, these species of birds could play significant roles in the spread of this virus to chickens. Therefore, measures to limit the interactions of these wild birds with chickens should be implemented to minimize the spread of AI.

Avian species comprise more than half of all vertebrates yet there is a dearth of information regarding spermatid development in this class of animals. This report of spermiogenesis in the cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis, is the first in the order Pelecaniformes. Five sexually mature and reproductively active male cattle egrets were captured in the wild, humanely euthanized, the reproductive organs dissected out, and tissues from the testes routinely prepared for transmission electron microscopy. Twelve steps of spermatid development, using the step-wise system, were determined. Acrosomogenesis in the egret results in a relatively short, solid, bullet-shaped acrosome that ends bluntly anteriorly and flat posteriorly or basally. The nucleus displays remarkable morphological changes, with the anterior end of the mature spermatid becoming flat, lacking a rostrum and an endonuclear canal. A perforatorium does not develop. It is noteworthy that a longitudinal, but not a circular, manchette develops during spermiogenesis in this bird. The proximal centriole is attached to the nucleus, at the implantation fossa, by means of well-formed, electron dense struts of material. An amorphous fibrous sheath develops in the principal piece. The interesting development and peculiar features of the acrosome and nucleus, as well as the absence of the perforatorium and circular manchette in the spermatozoon of the cattle egret, may be of phylogenetic significance.

Purpose: Our study focused on Pied Grow and Cattle Egret, two commensal and ubiquitous birds feeding in dumps and frequenting our homes. Our aim was to identify the bacteria that birds bring to our homes and could be a potential risk to Congolese health. Method: We have done bacteriological analyses of bird feces for to explore its gut micriobiota composition. The feces were collected in the uricotelic cloaca by using a swab in 52 Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) and 23 Pied Crows (Corvus albus) from Kinshasa city. Results: Bacteriological analyses revealed the presence of Proteus vulgaris (3.8%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.8%) on Cattle Egret, Salmonella sp. (8.7%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (21.7%), Proteus vulgaris (30.4%) on Pied Crow, Citrobacter spp and Escherichia coli (100%) on both Cattle Egret and Pied Crow respectively. Conclusion: The presence of these pathogenic germs, suggesting these commensal and ubiquitous birds may be potential vectors of various Diseases which pose serious health problems in the region.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an increasing global health concern reducing options for therapy of infections and also for perioperative prophylaxis. ManyEnterobacteriaceae cannot be treated anymore with third generation cephalosporins (3GC) due to the production of certain 3GC hydrolysing enzymes (extended spectrum beta-lactamases, ESBLs). The role of animals as carriers and vectors of multi-resistant bacteria in different geographical regions is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the occurrence and molecular characteristics of ESBL-producingEscherichia coli(E. coli) in wild birds and slaughtered cattle in Ibadan, Nigeria.Cattle faecal samples (n= 250) and wild bird pooled faecal samples (cattle egrets,Bubulcus ibis,n= 28; white-faced whistling duck,Dendrocygna viduata, n= 24) were collected and cultured on cefotaxime-eosin methylene blue agar. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by agar diffusion assays and all 3GC resistant isolates were genotypically characterised for AMR genes, virulence associated genes (VAGs) and serotypes using DNA microarray-based assays.ResultsAll 3GC resistant isolates wereE. coli: cattle (n= 53), egrets (n= 87) and whistling duck (n= 4); cultured from 32/250 (12.8%), 26/28 (92.9%), 2/24(8.3%), cattle, egrets and whistling duck faecal samples, respectively.blaCTX-M gene family was prevalent;blaCTX-M15 (83.3%) predominated overblaCTX-M9 (11.8%). All were susceptible to carbapenems. The majority of isolates were resistant to at least one of the other tested antimicrobials; multidrug resistance was highest in the isolates recovered from egrets.The isolates harboured diverse repositories of other AMR genes (includingstrBand sul2), integrons (predominantly class 1) and VAGs. The isolates recovered from egrets harboured more AMR genes; eight were unique to these isolates includingtetG,gepA, andfloR. The prevalent VAGs includedhemLandiss; while 14 (includingsepA) were unique to certain animal isolates. E. coliserotypes O9:H9, O9:H30 and O9:H4 predominated. An identical phenotypic microarray profile was detected in three isolates from egrets and cattle, indicative of a clonal relationship amongst these isolates.ConclusionWild birds and cattle harbour diverse ESBL-producingE. colipopulations with potential of inter-species dissemination and virulence. Recommended guidelines to balance public health and habitat conservation should be implemented with continuous surveillance.

Despite the recent advances in avian influenza viruses surveillance and genomic data, fundamental questions concerning the ecology and evolution of these viruses remain elusive. In Egypt, H5N8 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) are co-circulating simultaneously with HPAIVs of subtypes H5N1 and low-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) of subtype H9N2 in both commercial and backyard poultry. In order to isolate AIVs from wild birds and to assess their potential in causing infection in commercial poultry, a total of thirty-four cloacal swab samples were collected from apparently healthy migratory wild birds (Anas acuta, Anas crecca, Rallus aquaticus, and Bubulcus ibis) from four Egyptian Governorates (Giza, Menoufia, Gharbia, and Dakahlia). Based on matrix (M) gene-targeting real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and subsequent genetic characterization, our results revealed two positive isolates (2/34) for H5N8 whereas no H5N1 and H9N2 subtypes were detected. Genetic characterization of the full-length haemagglutinin (HA) genes revealed the clustering of two reported isolates within genotype 5 of clade 2.3.4.4b. The potential of a wild bird-origin H5N8 virus isolated from a cattle egret for its transmission capability within and between chickens was investigated in compare to chicken origin H5N8 AIV. Chickens inoculated with cattle egret isolate showed varying clinical signs and detection of virus shedding. In contrast, the contact chickens showed less levels of virus secretion indicating efficient virus inter/intra-species transmission. These results demonstrated the possibility for spreading of wild bird origin H5N8 viruses between chicken. In conclusion, our study highlights the need for continuous and frequent monitoring of the genetic diversity of H5N8 AIVs in wild birds as well as commercial poultry sectors for better understanding and determining the genetic nature of these viruses, which is fundamental to predict any future threat through virus reassortment with the potential to threaten human and animal health. Likewise, an assessment of coverage and efficacy of different vaccines and or vaccination regimes in the field conditions should be reconsidered along with strict biosecurity measures.

Coastal wetlands along migratory flyways are crucial in supporting staging or wintering waterbirds, yet they are often targeted for wind energy development. Potential conflicts are likely to be strong in densely populated East and Southeast Asia, where many bird species along the flyway are endangered, and wind energy projects are just flourishing. We investigated waterbird abundance and flight behavior at a coastal wind farm at the mid of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. For shorebirds roosting in the aquacultural ponds, the abundance showed no significant change in the study area compared with the control area across all development stages of the wind farm. For egrets breeding in the mangroves, fewer Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis were observed in the year of wind farm construction and the first year of wind farm operation, then the number recovered afterwards. Since the operation of the wind farm, birds avoided crossing closely spaced (200 m) turbines while travelling through widely spaced (500 m) ones more frequently. Shorebirds, egrets, and landbirds flew lower when turbines were present, reducing the overlap of their flight height with the swept zone. Our study suggests that coastal wind farms are not necessarily a great threat to waterbirds. Yet environmentally sound planning and rigorous monitoring are crucial in minimizing potential impacts.

Small unmanned aircraft systems present an emerging technology with the potential to survey colonial waterbird populations while reducing disturbance in comparison to traditional ground counts. Recent research with these systems has been performed on some colonially nesting avian species; however, none have focused on wading bird species. During 2015–2016, this study tested the behavioral response of a mixed-species rookery (Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Snowy Egret (Egretta thula), Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and a groundnesting colony of Common Terns (Sterna hirundo)) in shrub habitat to small unmanned aircraft system flights at 12 m, 15 m, 30 m, and 50 m. Even at the lowest altitudes, the birds either showed no reaction or acclimated within 60 sec of the fly-over. Conversely, physically entering the colony to conduct ground surveys resulted in all Common Terns flushing from their nests beginning when the observer was 50 m away and required significantly more time in the colony overall: ~30–60 min vs. ~3–7 min with the small unmanned aircraft system. While this study focuses only on the behavioral response of nesting birds and not comparison of count estimates, these results provide preliminary evidence that small unmanned aircraft systems provide the potential to monitor colonial nesting bird populations while minimizing disturbance to the colony.

Although freshwater habitats play a crucial role in most ecosystems in the world, little is known on their functioning in tropical regions even in regard to the most often studied avian communities. In this study, counts on waterbirds were conducted in dry and wet season (in years 2001–2008) in a riverine habitat in southern Africa (Shamvura stretch of the Okavango River). In total, 84 waterfowl species were recorded. The birds were assigned to different guilds according to their migration activity, diet and nesting site selection. In overall, the species number was almost the same (74 vs. 73) in the wet and dry season. The abundance of all resident species recorded was lower in wet (N = 5992) than in dry seasons (N = 6965)(χ2 = 73.1, P < 0.01). In both seasons Palearctic migrants were represented by seven species, which comprised 1–2% of all waterbirds. Six species were classified as dominants: African reed cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus, African openbill stork Anastomus lamelligerus, cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, wattled lapwing Vanellus senegallus, African darter Anhinga rufa and white-faced duck Dendrocygna viduata. In the wet season the dominant species comprised 68%, while in dry season – 52.5% of all birds recorded. Significant seasonal differences in the numbers of individuals were shown for the following species: African reed cormorant, great egret, squacco heron, wattled lapwing and pied kingfisher. Insectivorous and omnivorous birds were more abundant in wet season, while piscivorous, carnivorous and plant eating birds in dry season. These differences can be related mainly to seasonal variation in the availability of food as well as to the timing of breeding.

Ujung Pangkah, Gresik was became the most habitat of fowls such as Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis). The aim of this research were to find out the type of worm that infected digestive tract of Cattle egret ( Bubulcus ibis) in Ujung Pangkah, Gresik. The examination of worm in digestive tract was done by dissection and fecal examination. The identification based on morphological of the eggs and worms. The samples of digestive tract organ collected from restaurant that preserve Cattle egret as a main menu. Whereas the fecal sample collected by swab from the intestine. Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) has positive infection by worm parasite if there were worm or egg inside the digestive tract. Fecal samples were examined by native, sedimentation, coconut-sugar floating method and EPG counting with Lucient Brumpt . And the worm morphology from dissection of digestive tract would be identify with source book, journal, and discussed with supervisor. The result showed that 20 of digestive tract dissection and 20 fecal samples, there were three types of worm, Contracaecum sp., Cosmocephalus sp., C apillaria sp. and egg of Contracaecum sp. with 200 EPG

Background Cryptococcosis is a systemic opportunistic mycosis, caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, which affects mainly the central nervous system of immunocompromised patients; no reports have been made on the isolation of the fungus from the environment of Popayan, Colombia. Aims The main objective of this investigation was to determinate the incidence of C. neoformans in the urban perimeter in the City of Popayan, Colombia. Methods A total of 303 samples from droppings of Columba livia and Bubulcus ibis were collected between September 2012 and June 2013. The samples were processed by conventional techniques; identification of colonies was performed by biochemical tests, and molecular patterns were determined by PCR fingerprinting with the primer (GTG)5 and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of the gene URA5. Results A total of 118 (38.94%) samples were positive for Cryptococcus in excreta of C. livia, and 361 strains belonging to Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii were isolated. From the latter, 99.2% corresponded to the molecular pattern VNI and 0.8% to VNII, with an increased occurrence (24.4%) at a temperature of 22.5 °C and a humidity of 60.8%. The excreta of B. ibis did not show the presence of the fungus. Conclusions C. livia excreta is a key environmental niche for C. neoformans var. grubii, type VNI, supporting growth and reproduction, and serving as a major source of infection for susceptible populations in Popayan. This represents the first report on the isolation of the agent of cryptococcosis from the environment in this region, with a significant prevalence in bird excreta.

The buffalo egret (Bubulcus ibis) belongs to the Ciconiiformes order, family Ardeidae. The buffalo egret (Bubulcus ibis) is the smallest egret (about 50 cm). Its body is slimmer than Blekoksawah (Ardeolaspeciosa), although not as large as egrets. All feathers are white, but during the mating season the feathers on the head, neck, back and chest are yellow. Reproductive organs are the ke y to success in maintaining new offspring. Male reproductive organs will produce male sex cells or living spermatozoa. It is important to do research on anatomy and histology to determine the maturity of the reproductive organs of the bird. The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomical and histological structure of male reproductive organs of buffalo egrets (Bubulcus ibis). The method used for histology is the paraffin method with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. The data analysis technique uses descriptive analysis for histological preparations. Anatomical observations include the color, shape and location of the reproductive organs, while histological observations of the structure of the reproductive organs using a microscope. The results of the study were anatomically pale-colored testicle. The location of the testicles is on ventral from the most cranial lobe. While the histological structure of the testis of the Buffalo Egret (Bubulcus ibis) consisted of spermatozoa, lumen, stereosilia, ephitelium of eididymis and seminiferous tubules.