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Simple Summary: Wild bird species are known to be readily infected with and carry Salmonella enterica. This has two main consequences. Firstly, they may act as reservoirs in the transmission of infection to livestock species or zoonotic transmission to humans. Secondly, birds themselves may develop systemic infection, leading to high mortality disease. Recent studies have shown that specific genotypes adapted to and capable of causing disease in a range of bird species have recently evolved. Salmonella enterica is an important bacterial pathogen in humans and warm-blooded animals. Wild bird species represent both a potential reservoir for zoonotic infection and as a susceptible host to infection by host-adapted variants. Historically, wild birds were considered to be a major source of Salmonella infection in livestock, but in recent years, it has been more apparent that birds are more likely to act as a reservoir for recycling infection on farms rather than as the primary source of infection. Birds may also transmit infection to humans directly from feces or indirectly through fecal contamination of foods, including peanut butter. While many bird species can be infected with Salmonella, the rates of infection are variable, and most cases lead to intestinal carriage rather than disease. In this case, fecal shedding of Salmonella bacteria from birds can represent a risk for transmission to humans. As such, care is needed when in contact with fecal material such as that found on bird tables or feeders. In recent years, there have been emergences of Salmonella Typhimurium genotypes associated with high mortality in songbirds or passerine birds, resulting in 'die offs' in Europe, Israel, New Zealand and the US. Additionally, S. typhimurium DT2 and other variant Copenhagen genotypes are associated with high mortality disease in pigeons. These genotypes show evidence of evolution towards adaptation to specific hosts, with pseudogenes leading to loss of functional metabolic pathways and specific virulence factors. These 'signatures of adaptation' are common in host-adapted Salmonella serovars and suggest these S. typhimurium isolates are evolving to adapt to specific avian hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban growth on natural areas produces landscape transformations. Species must face new environmental conditions and only some are able to tolerate them and reproduce. In South America, the eared dove (Zenaida auriculata) is capable of efficiently exploiting resources and thriving in various types of environments. In this study we aim to understand reproductive characteristics of the species related to its success and population growth in urban environment. Between 2017 and 2018 we performed seasonal counts of adult individuals, and we searched for and monitored active dove nests along fixed-width transects, in the city of Córdoba. We monitored 860 nests and evaluated the annual variation and the effect and characteristics of the nesting site on reproductive success. We determined the density of nests present in urban trees and their variation throughout a year, we calculated daily survival rates and nest success, duration of the reproductive cycle, and we identified main reasons for nest failure and substrates used for nests. The daily survival rate was 0.945 and the total reproductive success was 15%. 68% of the nests were unsuccessful, being more vulnerable in the chick rearing stage. Reproductive activity was permanent throughout the year, with increased activity during the summer season and a fall decrease between April and June. The contribution of youth to the population resulted in a similar trend. The number of active nests was significantly explained by the abundance of adult individuals. Therefore, the integration of variables provided by this study --e.g., changes in the abundance of adult individuals, nest survival rates, characteristics of nesting sites and productivity-- could contribute to the development of predictive mathematical models and viral dynamics models, necessary for management actions and health control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On 13 January 2019, an individual Oriental turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis Latham, 1790) was recorded. The species is shortly observed during tree-perching in an intensive agricultural landscape near Temerin Town, Vojvodina Province, Northern Serbia. The observed dove was a putative juvenile bird belonging to the subspecies meena. This finding represents the first observation of the Oriental turtle dove and the sixth native species from the order of Columbiformes recorded in Serbia.

The ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811), is reported herein as a new host for the diplotriaenid nematode Diplotriaena deliraePinto & Noronha, 1970. The host was collected in the municipality of Januária, northern region of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. A heavy infection wholly occupied the coelomic cavity and air sacs. The nematodes were also found in the pectoral subcutaneous tissue, an infection site hitherto unknown for these parasites. A total of 262 specimens of D. delirae was found, which surprisingly corresponded to 27% of the host carcass weight. The impacts of the heavy infection with D. delirae on overall host health and population regulation are briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The province of Darien in eastern Panama is well known for its endemic doves. Most of them are poorly studied and threatened. The aim of this study was to recognize the wild dove’s diversity from CPNR and describe an ethological baseline. We compiled 38,592-day hours, with information on circadian activity and behavioral data from camera traps from December 2012 to May 2014 in a cloud forest. We detected four species of wild doves and obtained information on circadian activity for the most frequent species detected. An ethogram was built for Zentrygon goldmani and Leptotila cassinii in five categories: transversal walking, foraging, courtship, copulation and walking together. Courtship occurred during December, February, July and September, in both the dry and rainy seasons. We also detected Geotrygon montana and Zentrygon lawrencii for the Pacific slope of Panama and for the Chucanti Private Natural Reserve. The diversity found regarding wild doves represents a unique opportunity to study this endemic species at CPNR, and another important reason for its conservation.

On 13 January 2019, an individual Oriental turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis Latham, 1790) was recorded. The species is shortly observed during tree-perching in an intensive agricultural landscape near Temerin Town, Vojvodina Province, Northern Serbia. The observed dove was a putative juvenile bird belonging to the subspecies meena. This finding represents the first observation of the Oriental turtle dove and the sixth native species from the order of Columbiformes recorded in Serbia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Island-endemic columbid species are particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, extreme climatic events, and interactions with exotic species. The situation might be even more critical in the case of exploited species, where legal hunting and poaching can severely affect population dynamics. Here we document for the first time the genetic structure of the Scaly-naped Pigeon, Patagioenas squamosa, a Caribbean-endemic columbid species of cynegetic interest, over a large part of its range. Using both mitochondrial DNA and nuclear markers (microsatellites), we investigated gene flow, genetic diversity, and genetic structure among four islands populations originating from Puerto-Rico, Guadeloupe, Martinique and Barbados. We found evidence for a significant genetic differentiation only between the Barbados and the three other populations, consistent with the fact that the Barbados population originated from a few captive individuals escaped from a rooftop aviary in Bridgetown about 100 years ago. Given the absence of genetic differentiation between Puerto Rico and the French Antilles, our results suggest that, apart from Barbados, the species may mainly consist of a single large, homogeneous population. We discuss the relevance of our findings in relation to management and conservation issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758) has very large populations in the European cities. However, the urbanisation of the species in the Maros–Körös köze region (Maros–Körös Interfluve) is recent and is happening before our eyes. In our study, we summarized our observations on the urbanised populations of the species in the region. Populations of the species in populated areas are currently spreading rapidly in the Maros–Körös köze region. In the past, it was a breeding species in the landscape of suburban areas far from populated areas. In recent years, it has appeared in towns and villages. It did not gradually arrive from the outer area of the settlements towards the interior of populated areas, but it was precisely in the park areas of the centres of settlements that the first pairs in these areas appeared and spread outwards. During the study, we also surveyed the nesting populations of the Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto [Frivaldszky, 1838]) in the sampling areas, using the same methodology, so that we could also examine the proportion of both urbanised species. The population of that species was decreasing during the study period. The pairs of Common Wood Pigeons were more common in the central, more parked parts of the settlements, while the Eurasian Collared Dove was mainly found in peripheral areas. The increase in the population of the Common Wood Pigeons will cause major problems for agriculture, for which there is no solution at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islands are well known for their unique biodiversity and significance in evolutionary and ecological studies. Nevertheless, the extinction of island species accounts for most human-caused extinctions in recent time scales, which have accelerated in recent centuries. Pigeons and doves (Columbidae) are noteworthy for the high number of island endemics, as well as for the risks those species have faced since human arrival. On Caribbean islands, no other columbid has generated more phylogenetic interest and uncertainty than the blue-headed quail-dove, Starnoenas cyanocephala . This endangered Cuban endemic has been considered more similar, both behaviourally and phenotypically, to Australasian species than to the geographically closer 'quail-dove' ( Geotrygon s.l.) species of the Western Hemisphere. Here, we use whole genome sequencing from Starnoenas and other newly sequenced columbids in combination with sequence data from previous publications to investigate its relationships. Phylogenomic analyses, which represent 35 of the 51 genera currently comprising the Columbidae, reveal that the blue-headed quail-dove is the sole representative of a lineage diverging early in the radiation of columbids. Starnoenas is sister to the species-rich subfamily Columbinae, which is found worldwide. As a highly distinctive evolutionary lineage lacking close modern relatives, we recommend elevating the conservation priority of Starnoenas .

Trichomonas gallinae is a geographically widespread protozoan parasite of birds. In this study, oropharyngeal swab samples were collected in Hungary and Romania from 99 columbiform birds, including 76 feral pigeons (Columba livia domestica: 42 kept for racing, 32 with urban and two with rural habitat), four common wood pigeons (C. palumbus), 16 ring doves (Streptopelia risoria) and three Eurasian collared doves (S. decaocto). These samples were analyzed for the presence of T. gallinae using molecular methods. Racing feral pigeons had significantly higher prevalence of T. gallinae infection than urban feral pigeons. The rate of PCR-positivity was the highest among wood pigeons and ring doves. Based on 18S rRNA gene, T. gallinae was the most heterogenous among racing feral pigeons sampled in a trading-breeding place. Clinical signs were associated with only one 18S rRNA gene subtype. The most divergent 18S rRNA gene subtype, Trichomonas sp. Hu-TG37 clustered with T. canistomae and T. tenax and represents probably a new species. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic diversity of T. gallinae in the southeastern European region. The results suggest that most detected T. gallinae 18S rRNA gene subtypes are not host-specific and do not cause clinical signs. The highest number of 18S rRNA gene subtypes was demonstrated among racing feral pigeons. Significantly more captive than free-living columbiform birds had T. gallinae infection. These data highlight the importance of epizootic monitoring of the genetic diversity and presence of T. gallinae in trading-breeding places of pigeons and doves.

Based on field surveys, we report new distribution data of Columbina minuta (Linnaeus, 1766), Plain-breasted Grounddove, from Rondônia state, southwestern Amazonia, Brazil. A new record of C. minuta from Rondônia, extends the geographic distribution of this species by approximately 550 km north and 430 km east of the previously known distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used tabulated data from the literature, collected in northern Senegal, to estimate the parameters of moult of the European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur, a 'Vulnerable' species. Moult duration was 177 days, and the estimated average start and end dates were 16 August and 9 February respectively. The results of the moult analysis were compatible with independent studies of migration and residency; coordinated long-term monitoring of the components of the annual cycle would help an understanding of the conservation needs of this species. The European Turtle Dove is the most migratory member of the order Columbiformes; a comparison with three other members of the order, using the Underhill–Zucchini moult model, shows that moult duration of the European Turtle Dove is the shortest, but only by a small margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the functional morphology of the digestive tract of the Eurasian collared dove, Streptopelia decaocto using anatomical, morphometric, histological, histochemical, and ultrastructure techniques, and relate our findings to the species' dietary niche. Our results revealed that the esophagus is displaced on both sides of the neck and has highly folded tunica mucosa, which confer greater elasticity for efficient swallowing and passage of food to the crop. The proventriculus is delicate and its mucosal layer contains polymorphic glands with dense profound and superficial secretory units that open to the luminal surface by gastric pores. The ventriculus is biconvex and lined with a keratinized koilin membrane. The tubular glands within the mucosal lining include the isthmus, the neck, and the basal segment that comprise chief and basal cells with prominent nuclei. At the cuticle-mucosal interface, pyramidal vertical rodlets of the cuticle are secreted and superficially covered by a thin film of a horizontal matrix. The mucosa of the ileum form pyramidal villi that are oriented perpendicularly to the central lumen. Enterocytes infiltrated with goblet cells make up the epithelial lining of the villi. There are subtle differences in the thicknesses of corresponding tunics together with histochemical reactions of alcian blue (AB) and Masson-Goldner trichrome (MT) for their microstructures. Overall, our findings reveal remarkable convergence of both macro-and microstructures in S. decaocto to other granivorous species, and offer further evidence of the close association between functional morphology and feeding style relative to food swallowing, digestion, and absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Islands have long been recognized as key contributors to biodiversity because they facilitate geographic isolation and ecological divergence from mainland ancestors. However, island colonization has traditionally been considered an evolutionary dead-end process, and its consequences for continental biodiversity remain understudied. Here, we use the evolutionary radiation of Columbiformes (i.e. pigeons and doves) to examine if ecological niche shifts on islands shaped biological diversification and community composition on continents. We show that the colonization of islands by continental, terrestrial-foraging lineages led to the exploitation of a new ecological niche (i.e. arboreal foraging). This transition towards arboreal foraging was associated with evolutionary adaptation towards a new morphological optimum. In addition, arboreal-foraging lineages of islands experienced an increase in speciation rates, which was associated with successful range expansions to other islands as well as back colonization of continents. Our results provide empirical evidence that diversification on continents can only be fully understood when studying the diversification processes that took place on islands, challenging the view of islands as mere sinks of evolutionary diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of pigmentary disorders in Mexican birds has been poorly documented. We report an individual of White-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) with atypical pigmentation in Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas. Some possible physical factors that can produce this pigmentary abnormality are discussed.

Combinations of midazolam and butorphanol are commonly used in avian sedation protocols but no studies have been performed in Columbiformes. Minimizing intramuscular drug injection volumes is desirable, in order to reduce the potential for injection-induced discomfort. Reduction of drug injection volumes can be achieved by using higher concentrated drug formulations. The goals of this study were to evaluate a midazolam-butorphanol sedation protocol in domestic pigeons and to evaluate if a difference in total drug injection volume has an effect on sedation parameters in this species. Twelve adult pigeons were sedated with butorphanol (2 mg/kg) combined with 4 mg/kg of midazolam as either a standard (5 mg/mL) or concentrated (50 mg/mL) formulation, intramuscularly, in a randomized, blinded, complete cross-over study. Various parameters were used to assess for differences in sedation onset, depth, and recovery. Flumazenil (0.05 mg/kg) was administered intramuscularly for reversal of midazolam 30 minutes after sedative administration. The sedation protocol resulted in moderate sedation and all birds became sternally recumbent, while 4of 12 birds lost righting reflex. Recovery was rapid in all birds following administration of flumazenil and no adverse reactions were observed. Significant differences in drug injection volumes had no clinically relevant effects on sedation parameters. Use of concentrated midazolam resulted in ∼3.5 times smaller total injection volumes, while achieving the same efficacy as standard concentration of midazolam. The reduced injection volumes are desirable from an animal welfare standpoint, as they may reduce the risk of local discomfort associated with intramuscular injections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to detect Eimeria spp. in eared doves (Zenaida auriculata) from Brazil. Two hundred and fourteen birds were trap-capture in different regions of Londrina city, Paraná state, Southern Brazil. Fecal samples were collected, and DNA extraction was performed. A nested PCR based on the subunit I of the cytochrome c oxidase gene of the Eimeria mitochondrial genome was used to detect the DNA presence of this coccidian in eared dove feces. From 214 birds, 171 (79.9%) were positive for Eimeria spp. There was significantly difference of positivity between the site of capture. When analyzing the genders, the numbers of positive males were 84/103 (81.5%) and females 87/111 (78.4%). To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study with molecular prevalence of Eimeria sp. in Z. auriculata. Further studies should be done to identify the species of Eimeria that infect eared doves Z. auriculata.

Medical records from 860 pigeons and doves of 24 species housed in Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project, United Kingdom, from 2000 to 2017 were reviewed to determine the causes of morbidity in captive columbiformes. Accounted 205 cases (51.25%), infectious disease was found as the primary cause of morbidity, followed by 133 cases of trauma (33.25%), 51 (8.9%) cases of non-infectious disease, and 8 (2%) cases of husbandry-related problem. The main cause of infectious disease was parasite infection with 35% over 31% of bacterial, 26% of undetermined etiology and 9% of fungal infection. More specific, nematodiasis was the most frequent parasitic disease found, presented in 49 (69%) cases and followed by 10 (14%) trichomoniasis of all parasite infection. Meanwhile, chlamydiosis was a leading cause of bacterial infection with 22 (35%) cases recorded of over 63 bacterial infections. These results highlight the importance of preventative medicine implementation in captivity which aims to detect the disease earlier hence reducing the worsening physical condition and minimising the risk of both zoonotic and non-zoonotic disease transmissions. In addition, these findings contribute to the limited information available regarding the captive columbiformes morbidity

Patagioneas picazuro (Temminck 1813) are Columbidae considered pests due to damages they cause to grain crops and problems related to overpopulation. They also may act as hosts of parasites that can generate public health problems. The aim of this study was to report the ectoparasites on P. picazuro in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil, as well as to identify the presence of pathogens that may use these arthropods as vectors. The collected arthropods were morphologically identified as Ornithoctona erythrocephala (Leach 1817) (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) and Columbicola passerinae (Wilson 1941) (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae). Ectoparasite DNA was extracted and molecularly processed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Samples were screened for the presence of Ehrlichia spp., Anaplasma spp., and Rickettsia spp, but the results were negative for the pathogens tested. Further studies need to be performed in order to identify the role these ectoparasites have on the transmission of pathogens, and whether they act as biological or mechanical vectors. This is the first report of Ornithoctona erythrocephala in Minas Gerais and the first record of parasitism by Columbicola passerinae in Patagioneas picazuro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present study analyzed gastrointestinal helminth communities in 265 wild pigeons (Columba livia) living in the municipalities of São Paulo and Tatuí, state of São Paulo, Brazil, over a one-year period. The birds were caught next to grain storage warehouses and were necropsied. A total of 790 parasites comprising one nematode species and one cestode genus were recovered from 110 pigeons, thus yielding an overall prevalence of 41.5%, mean intensity of infection of 7.2 ± 1.6 (range 1-144) and discrepancy index of 0.855. Only 15 pigeons (5.7%) presented mixed infection. The helminths isolated from the birds were Ascaridia columbae (Ascaridiidae) and Raillietina sp. (Davaineidae). The birds’ weights differed according to sex but this did not influence the intensity of infection. The overall prevalence and intensity of infection did not differ between the sexes, but the prevalence was higher among the birds from Tatuí (47.8%). The gastrointestinal helminth community of C. livia was characterized in the two areas studied and parasite homogeneity was observed over the 12 months analyzed at both locations. These results make contributions to the current literature on health aspects of wild C. livia populations.

Abstract Background Avian trichomonosis is known as a widespread disease in columbids and passerines, and recent findings have highlighted the pathogenic character of some lineages found in wild birds. Trichomonosis can affect wild bird populations including endangered species, as has been shown for Mauritian pink pigeons Nesoenas mayeri in Mauritius and suggested for European turtle doves Streptopelia turtur in the UK. However, the disease trichomonosis is caused only by pathogenic lineages of the parasite Trichomonas gallinae. Therefore, understanding the prevalence and distribution of both potentially pathogenic and non-pathogenic T. gallinae lineages in turtle doves and other columbids across Europe is relevant to estimate the potential impact of the disease on a continental scale. Results We examined 281 samples from four wild columbid species for Trichomonas infection and determined the genetic lineages. The overall prevalence was 74%. There were significant differences between the species (P = 0.007). The highest prevalence was found in stock doves Columba oenas (86%, n = 79) followed by wood pigeons Columba palumbus (70%, n = 61) and turtle doves (67%, n = 65), while three of five collared doves Streptopelia decaocto (60%) were infected. We found seven different lineages, including four lineages present in columbids in the UK, one lineage already described from Spain and three new lineages, one of those found in a single turtle dove migrating through Italy and another one found in a breeding stock dove. Stock doves from Germany and collared doves from Malta were infected with a potentially pathogenic lineage (lineage A/B), which is known to cause lesions and mortality in columbids, raptors and finches. Conclusions Generally, turtle doves showed high prevalence of Trichomonas infection. Furthermore, the potentially pathogenic lineage A/B (or genotype B according to previous literature) was found in a recovering stock dove population. Both findings are worrying for these columbid species due to the occasional epidemic character of trichomonosis, which can have severe negative effects on populations.

Extinct in the seventeenth century, the famous dodo (Raphus cucullatus) remains almost unknown, and reliable historical accounts of its biology are rare. Neither are taxidermized specimens housed in collections, with the available material limited to osteological samples and some scarce mummified remains. Such a gap would make the representations of dodos in ancient paintings, books and drawings fundamental to reconstructing the true aspect of this bird in life. Indeed, there is a clear effort to list all the images of Raphus cucullatus found in various works of art and manuscripts, a task carried out at least since the mid-nineteenth century. In this sense, it is noteworthy the discovery of four seventeenth-century pictures depicting dodos that would have escaped the scrutiny of the experts. Portraying no less than seven individuals, all these compositions are attributed to the German painter Carl Borromäus Andreas Ruthart (ca. 1630-1703) or his circle. Roughly speaking, the general appearance of the figured birds differs little from that observed in various works by artists such as Roelandt Savery, Jan Savery and Gilles d’Hondecoeter.

Trichomonas gallinae is a pathogen of conservation relevance, whose main maintenance hosts are Columbiformes, but spillover to avian predators has been described. The goal of this study was to characterize the epidemiology of Trichomonas spp. in a community of free-ranging domestic and wild Columbiformes and an endangered predator, Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata. We surveyed 253 live-captured Rock doves, 16 nestling Bonelli's eagles and 41 hunted Columbiformes. Oro-esophageal swabs were incubated in culture media and Trichomonas spp. isolated from Bonelli's eagle (6.3%, CI95 1.1-28.3), Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur (56.3%, CI95 39.3–71.8), Wood pigeon Columba palumbus (83.3%, CI95 43.7–97.0) and Rock dove Columba livia (68.4%, CI95 62.4–73.8). Infected Rock doves showed significantly poorer body condition than uninfected ones (p = 0.022). From a subset of 32 isolates, 18S and ITS1/5.8S/ITS2 rRNA genes were sequenced and Maximum-Likelihood trees inferred. Four ribotypes of Trichomonas spp. were identified. In this study area Trichomonas spp. seem to persist in a multi-host system involving several species of Columbiformes. Conservation actions aimed at increasing the availability of trophic resources for Bonelli's eagles through Rock dove restocking should consider the risk of pathogen transmission and of introduction of alien strains.

During the spring, an outbreak of sudden death involving 58 birds occurred in a zoo. Histopathological examinations revealed variable numbers of intracytoplasmic basophilic microorganisms in the macrophages, hepatocytes, and renal epithelium of most birds, along with occasional botryoid intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within histiocytes in the bursa of Fabricius. Based on the results of histopathological examinations, immunohistochemical staining, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reactions, genotype B Chlamydia psittaci infection concurrent with pigeon circovirus (PiCV) was diagnosed. A retrospective survey, including two years before the outbreak and the outbreak year, of C. psittaci and PiCV infections of dead birds in the aviaries, revealed that the outbreak was an independent episode. The findings of this study indicate that concurrent infection with C. psittaci and PiCV might lead to lethal outbreaks of chlamydiosis, particularly Streptopelia orientalis. In addition, persistently monitoring both pathogens and identifying potential PiCV carriers or transmitters might also help prevent lethal disease outbreaks.

• An experimental model system for following Haemoproteus infection was established. • The complete life cycle of Haemoproteus columbae was investigated experimentally. • Merogony and parasitaemia during H. columbae infection are described. • We present new experimental data on sporogonic development of H. columbae. Characterization of complete life cycles of haemoparasites requires the maintenance of suitable susceptible vertebrate hosts and vectors for long periods in captivity, in order to follow the complete parasitic cycle in definitive and intermediate hosts. Currently, there are few host-parasite models established in avian haemosporidian research, and those have been developed mainly for species of Passeriformes and their parasites. This study aimed to develop an experimental methodology to access the complete life cycle of Haemoproteus columbae (cytb lineage HAECOL1) , which parasitizes the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and louse fly (Pseudolynchia canariensis). A colony of louse flies, which are the natural vectors of this parasite, was established. Thirty newly emerged insects were exposed to H. columbae infection and used to infect naïve Rock Pigeons. The peak of parasitaemia (acute stage) was seen between 27 and 32 days p.i. when up to 70.8% of red blood cells were infected. The crisis occurred approximately 1 week after the peak, and the long-lasting chronic parasitaemia stage followed. Exo-erythrocytic meronts were seen mainly in the lungs where extensive tissue damage was reported, but also in the kidneys and spleen. In the vector, the sporogonic cycle of H. columbae was completed between 13 and 16 days p.i., at an average temperature ranging between 12 and 15 °C. This host-parasite model is tractable for maintenance in captivity. It is recommended for use in studies aiming for detailed characterization of host-parasite relationships in areas such as physiology, pathology, immunobiology, genetics, as well as for evaluative treatments and to follow the infection in any stage of parasite development both in the vertebrate or invertebrate host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We determined the prevalence of Chlamydia psittaci genotypes in asymptomatic and symptomatic birds in northeast Iran. Samples were collected from 11 species of Psittaciformes and 1 species of Columbiformes from 2015 to 2016. Choanal cleft and cloacal swab samples, fresh fecal samples, and/or tissue samples of 70 symptomatic and 130 asymptomatic birds were collected and tested by molecular detection (nested polymerase chain reaction [PCR] testing specific for C psittaci). Results showed C psittaci was detected in 37 (18.5%) of 200 birds (18/37 symptomatic and 19/37 asymptomatic birds) by nested PCR assay. Of the PCR-positive samples, 14 products were positive for oligonucleotide sets CTU/CTL by a second PCR assay and genotyped by outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene sequencing. Of the 10 samples positive for genotype A (cockatiels [Nymphicus hollandicus, n = 5], ring-necked parakeet [Psittacula krameri, n = 2], African gray parrot [Psittacus erithacus, n = 3]), 6 samples were from asymptomatic and 4 from symptomatic birds. Genotype B was observed in 3 samples from symptomatic birds (P krameri [n = 2], pigeon [Columba livia, n = 1]), and provisional genotype I was detected in one symptomatic cockatiel. These findings revealed the importance of monitoring imported asymptomatic birds in developing countries, especially the Middle East, where there is no systematic monitoring. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report regarding the detection of C psittaci provisional genotype I in cockatiels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitism is a hostile relationship that helps greatly in the development and evolution of many creatures in their race for survival. Chewing lice of nestlings of the osprey Pandion haliaetus (L.) have been studied in Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia. All previous chewing lice records from this bird have also been reviewed. Four species of chewing lice are previously known to infest P. haliaetus. The nestlings of the osprey in Farasan were only infested by Colpocephalum turbinatum Denny, 1842. This species of chewing lice is recorded herein for the first time from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its distributional pattern is very characteristic among three different avian orders (Accipitriformes, Columbiformes, and Strigiformes). Colpocephalum turbinatum was found mainly on terrestrial birds of the order Columbiformes and it may be transferred to predatory birds in the other two orders, but the presence of this parasite on some aquatic birds of prey like osprey may indicate that the ancestors of these birds were terrestrial hunters that acquired this louse from their prey such as doves and pigeons before their transference to aquatic life. The pattern of chewing lice distribution through their host populations and habitats may reveal some important ecological and evolutionary events that happened to their hosts in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The first study deals with chewing lice of Egyptian fauna since 1968. • Columbiformes hosts were examined for chewing lice during the year of 2018 in three different localities in Egypt. • One new species Columbicola joudiae n. sp. and six new records (Colpocephalum turbinatum Denny, 1842; Campanulotes bidentatus (Scopoli, 1763); Campanulotes compar (Burmeister, 1838); Coloceras chinense (Kellogg & Chapman, 1902b); Coloceras piageti (Johnston & Harrison, 1912b); Columbicola tschulyschman Eichler, 1942) of chewing lice were found infesting the examined Columbiformes hosts. Abstract Little information is available about the chewing lice of wild birds of Egypt, including common groups such as pigeons and doves (Columbiformes). Through this work, parasitic chewing lice of common columbiformes of Egypt were revised including new data. Three species of pigeons and doves (Streptopelia decaocto Frivaldszky 1838, Spilopelia senegalensis Linnaeus 1766 and Columba livia Gmelin 1789) were examined for chewing lice at three different localities. A total of 124 specimens of lice were collected. Nine species were identified from these samples; one species (Columbicola joudiae n. sp.) was considered a new species to science, six species were recorded from Egypt for the first time, and two species have been identified in Egypt before. Taxonomic and ecological remarks for all identified chewing lice samples are provided along with known and local hosts, measurements and material examined. Description and images of the new species are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhynonyssidae is a family of endoparasitic hematophagous mites, which are still largely unknown even though they could act as vector or reservoir of different pathogens like dermanyssids. Sampling requirements have prevented deeper analysis. Rhinonyssids have been explored in a few host specimens per species, leading to undetailed morphological descriptions and inaccurate epidemiology. We explore the relationships established between these parasites in two Columbiformes urban birds (domestic pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto)), assesing 250 individuals of each type in Seville (Spain). As expected, Mesonyssus melloi (Castro, 1948) and Mesonyssus columbae (Crossley, 1950) were found in domestic pigeons, and Mesonyssus streptopeliae (Fain, 1962) in Eurasian collared doves. However, M. columbae was found for the first time in Eurasian collared doves. This relationship could be common in nature, but sampling methodology or host switching could also account for this result. An additional unknown specimen was found in a Eurasian collared dove, which could be a new species or an aberrant individual. We also provide an epidemiological survey of the three mite species, with M. melloi being the most common one followed by M. streptopeliae and M. columbae. High variation between previous epidemiological measurements and ours highlights the importance of developing deeper studies to uncover the factors regulating mite prevalence and intensities of infection.

In birds, primordial germ cells (PGCs) use the bloodstream to travel to a specific region, where the cells undergo extravasation followed by intrastromal migration to the gonadal crest for further colonization. Currently, DDX4, SSEA1, and Oct4 are used to identify germ cells. Other germline cell-associated molecules are N-cadherin, GnRHR, and 3β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD), which have been used in mice and birds during gonadal development; however, its role in early gonadogenesis in birds is poorly described. This study aimed to evaluate the differential immunodetection of N-cadherin binding molecule, Oct4 pluripotency protein, GnRHR receptor, and 3βHSD enzyme in Columba livia embryos during migration colonization of PGCs in the gonadal crest and early gonadogenesis. These markers were revealed by immunohistochemistry in histological preparations of C. livia corresponding to stages (S)15 to S40. Immunodetection of N-cadherin, Oct4, GnRHR, and 3βHSD in the germ line of C. livia allowed the identification of PGCs in the yolk sac membrane at the level of the splanchnic mesoderm during migration to the genital crest and its colonization. In the same way, it was possible to characterize and localize PGCs during early gonadogenesis. This study in C. livia demonstrates that Oct4, N-cadherin, GNRHR, and 3βHSD are immunodetected in PGCs and could be used as potential germline cell markers during cell migration out of blood vessels, colonization in the genital crest, and early gonadogenesis. Furthermore, this study could be used as a novel general model to understand the early gonadogenesis in altricial species., (© 2023 Japanese Society of Developmental Biologists.)

El presente trabajo determinó la densidad poblacional de Columba livia domestica en el nuevo mercado de la ciudad de Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. Se conoce que cuando las poblaciones de esta especie se incrementan desmedidamente, se convierte en un serio problema de salud pública, que debe ser atendido, para evitar la transmisión de enfermedades zoonóticas. En Sincelejo, especialmente en la zona de estudio, se tenía desconocimiento de la magnitud de su población, al igual que sucede para muchas otras ciudades de Colombia, en donde esta ave es una seria amenaza ambiental. Durante diez días continuos, entre las 06:00 y las 08:00 horas, con conteos cronometrados, se aplicó el método de muestreos en punto fijo; igualmente, se hicieron medidas de los niveles de ruido existente en el área de trabajo. No se determinaron diferencias estadísticas para la población detectada en cada sitio de muestreo, ni durante los diez días de muestreo, ni entre los sitios de trabajo y los horarios. La población estimada fue 257 individuos, con una DS= 10,7, la densidad estimada fue de 574 ind/km²; los niveles sonoros máximos oscilaron entre 68,2 y 83,5 decibeles. La densidad calculada es menor al compararla con otros estudios, pero sobrepasa la densidad establecida como nociva, para esta especie, en poblaciones urbanas; durante el horario de muestreo, los niveles de ruido que soportó la población se establecen como altos y tolerables. Los estudios poblacionales de esta especie, en ambientes urbanos, se hacen necesarios para poder implementar planes o programas de manejo, que eviten posibles proliferaciones zoonóticas.

The current work aimed to analyze, morphologically, statistically, and molecularly, oocysts shed from plumbeous pigeons, Patagioenas plumbea (Vieillot, 1818), from a locality at 2197 m of altitude near the Agulhas Negras peak, the highest point of the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil. The oocysts were extremely polymorphic, being subspheroidal, ovoidal, or ellipsoidal, in addition to having the random presence/absence of characteristic features associated with the oocyst wall, such as micropyle, micropyle cap, lateral micropyle, and outer veil/rough wall. Linear regression confirmed the extreme polymorphism of oocysts, showing that if all combinations of taxonomic characters in oocysts (morphotypes) were overestimated, 19 different species could be identified/described. In contrast, the means comparison analysis between oocysts with the presence/absence of characteristic features and the histograms showed equivalences and regularity in the distribution in the classes of measures, which indicate the presence of a single species in the measured oocysts. Molecular analyses were performed from the isolation of individual oocysts of different morphotypes, which had their genetic material extracted, amplified, and sequenced in 4 non-overlapping loci in the cox1 and cox3 genes and fragments of the small and large subunit rDNA of mitochondrial DNA. The sequences were 100% identical between the morphotypes, with the exception of a very small divergence observed at the locus that partially covers the cox3 gene. The phylogenetic analysis was inconclusive for the locus within the cox1 gene traditionally used for eimeriid coccidians; however, the other loci should have a promising future for phylogenetic studies when more sequences for the same genic regions are deposited in GenBank. Finally, the multifactorial analysis of the current work supported that the polymorphic oocysts shed from P. plumbea are a single species, which was named Eimeria patagioenasae, making this the twenty-second eimerian description from Columbiformes., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

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Gunabopicobia Skoracki and Hromada, 2013, the only genus of the subfamily Picobiinae Johnston and Kethley, 1973, associated exclusively with birds of the order Columbiformes is reviewed. Five new species are described: G. lathami sp. nov. ex Leucosarcia melanoleuca (Latham) from Australia and ex Caloenas nicobarica (Linnaeus) from Papua New Guinea and Indonesia; G. leptotila sp. nov. ex Leptotila verreauxi Bonaparte from Argentina; G. claravis sp. nov. ex Claravis pretiosa (Ferrari-Pérez) from Colombia; G. geotrygoni sp. nov. ex Geotrygon linearis (Prévost) from Venezuela, ex G. chrysie Bonaparte from Martinique, ex G. frenata (Tschudi) from Colombia, and ex G. montana (Linnaeus) from Paraguay, and G. metriopelia sp. nov. ex Metriopelia melanoptera (Molina) from Argentina. Based on the shape of the propodonotal shield and the coalescence of the setal bases 1a, we established two species groups in the genus Gunabopicobia: zumpti and metriopelia. Additionally, we constructed a key to all species of the genus and discussed the host-parasite relationships between Gunabopicobia species and columbiform birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigeons of the order Columbiformes especially wild pigeons (Columba livia), are of concern since they have a role in spreading some zoonoses to people as well as being a reservoir of many parasitic diseases for poultry.The aim of this investigation was to study on parasitic infections of Columba livia. This survey was conducted from 180 Columba livia in four parts of the Lahijan city, Northern area of Iran, between March 2015 and April 2016. From 180 pigeons, 43.33 and 36.66% were infected with nematodes and cestodes respectively whereas no trematodes were found. The helminths were Nematoda: Ascaridia columbae (50%), Capillaria obsignata (38.4%) Acuaria spiralis (7.6%), Cestoda: Raillietina magninumida (54.5%), Raillietina echinobothrida (45.4%), Raillietina tetragona (45.4%). Eight different species of ectoparasites included Pseudolynchia canariensis (73.3%), Columbicola columbae (88.3%), Dermanyssus gallinae (3.3%), Falculifer rostratus (31.6%), Menopon gallinae (6.6%), Goniodes sp. (53.3%), Menacanthus stramineus(41.6%), Megninia cubitalis (13.3%). Also, two species of protozoa were found: Haemoproteus columbae in 78.33% of blood samples and Trichomonas gallinae of 50% of crop smears. Our finding showed that incidence the rate of parasitic infections in Columba livia was high. It advises to more studies in this background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deserts are physiologically challenging environments for birds, with scarce, unpredictable water resources combined with air temperatures ( T air ) regularly exceeding avian body temperature ( T b ). For arid-zone birds, mismatches between water supply and demand are a constant threat, yet interspecific variation in trade-offs between hyperthermia avoidance and dehydration avoidance remain poorly understood, particularly for free-ranging individuals. We examined behavioural and physiological responses to high T air in nine species representing three orders that vary substantially in their heat dissipation thresholds, specifically pant 50 , the T air at which panting behaviour is present in 50% of observations. Birds housed during mid-summer in large free-flight aviaries in the Kalahari Desert each received a surgically-implanted T b logger, and we quantified shade-seeking, activity and panting behaviours to examine relationships between species-specific pant 50 and T b regulation. Overall, species setpoint T b values were higher (range: 41.4 ± 0.5 °C to 43.1 ± 0.4 °C) than expected with maximum T b values of 43.4–45.5 °C. Interspecific variation in T b patterns at high T air was substantial, with T b increasing with T air in most species, whereas in others no pattern or a negative relationship between T b and T air was evident. Most species avoided prolonged hyperthermia, with reductions in activity and increased shade-seeking evidently adequate to manage heat load without resorting to hyperthermia in in several of our study species. Access to drinking water and food resources in captivity may have affected T b patterns. Our data reveal that thermoregulation varies substantially among species, and suggest that free-ranging birds in hot, arid environments may maintain higher T b than currently thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hadjelia truncata belongs to the family Habronematidae which affects different groups of birds such as Columbiformes. A large number of Sarcocystis sp. may infect birds as intermediate hosts, but wild Columbiformes, include pigeons, are rarely affected. The present study describes mixed infection of two pigeon flocks with sarcocystosis and nematodiasis (H. truncata) which had neurologic and gastrointestinal clinical signs. The common clinical signs included progressive weight loss, pectoral muscle atrophy, white diarrhoea, depression, torticollis, paralysis, trembling, and 23.4% mortality. At necropsy, a large number of nematodes were detected in the gizzards and diagnosed as H. truncata in parasitological studies. For greater certainty, histopathological examination was conducted routinely. Different development stage of this nematode associated with severe inflammatory cells infiltration and necrosis were observed in tissue sections. Accidentally, the large number of Sarcocystis cysts was observed in tunica muscularis mucosa of gizzard associated with infiltration of inflammatory cells, hyaline degeneration and necrosis around degenerated cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paratanaisia are eucotylidae digeneans that affect the upper urinary tract of birds. This genus contains three species (Paratanaisia bragai, P. robusta, and P. confusa) with similar morphological features. Macroscopic and microscopic damage caused by these parasites ranges from the irrelevant to significant lesions. This study aimed to describe the histological, morphological, and molecular features of the renal tissues and parasite specimens obtained from naturally infected free-ranging and captive wild birds in Brazil. Histopathological evaluations were performed on 103 slides containing kidney tissue sections from parasitized birds. Parasites were observed inside the collecting ducts, causing the dilation and destruction of the lining epithelial cells and alterations in other structures of the renal parenchyma. Such findings indicate that Paratanaisia have pathogenic potential in a wide range of hosts, suggesting low host specificity. The parasites recovered from the kidneys of 10 birds, including Columbiformes, Galliformes, Strigiformes, and Cuculiformes, were morphologically evaluated and identified as Paratanaisia sp. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded kidney fragments were subjected to conventional PCR assays targeting the 18S and 28S rDNA genes. A Bayesian inference analysis based on an 800-bp 18S rDNA gene fragment separated the trematode genus accurately, clustering all of the parasites tested with a previously described P. bragai specimen. Analyses on a small fragment of the 28S rDNA gene did not allow for accurately differentiating the Paratanaisia species. Therefore, further morphological studies with additional molecular markers are necessary to improve our understanding of the alpha-taxonomy of this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]