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Gizzard erosion and ulceration (GEU) is characterized by defects and necrosis in the koilin layer, particularly in broilers. This condition has been associated with growth retardation, runting, and economic implications for poultry producers; nevertheless, its influence on gut microbiota remains unknown. This study investigated the compositional changes in the bacterial community of the ileum of seven-day-old broiler chicks with GEU using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Twenty-two samples were obtained from the ileal mucosa and contents of sixteen chicks with GEU and six without GEU raised in a conventional system located on a farm in southeast Brazil. The results revealed that bacterial phyla in both groups exhibited a similar composition, with Firmicutes representing the most abundant. Porphyromonas, Candidatus Arthromitus, and Limosilactobacillus were statistically more abundant in the group without GEU. The most prevalent genera in the group with GEU were Lactobacillus and Enterococcus, and the relative abundance of Enterococcus in the ilea of some chicks with GEU was considerable. Based on the results of the current study, necrosis in the koilin layer can change the composition of ileal microbiota. Therefore, further studies should be carried out to clarify whether GEU and consequently poor digestibility of the feed cause significant changes in the intestinal microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Runting and stunting syndrome (RSS) is an enteric viral disease in commercial poultry that directly affects gut health; however, its influence on gut microbiota remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the compositional changes in the bacterial community of the ileum of 7-day-old broiler chicks naturally affected or not affected by RSS, using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology. Twenty-one samples were obtained from the ileal contents and mucosa of 11 chicks with RSS and 10 healthy chicks, raised in a dark house system located on a farm in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The results revealed overall changes in the gut microbiota of the chicks with RSS, including a decrease in microbial richness and diversity. In particular, there was a decrease in Lactobacillus and an increase in Candidatus Arthromitus and Clostridium sensu stricto 1. These results indicate a relationship between viral infection and the gut microbial composition, which can cause gut dysbiosis and may influence inflammation in this organ. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS RSS causes dysbiosis of the gut microbiota of the ilea of chicks. A difference was found in gut microbiota between chicks with or without RSS. Candidatus Arthromitus was predominant in chicks with RSS. Clostridium sensu stricto 1 was strictly associated with chicks with RSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sporotrichosis is a mycotic infection of the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissues caused by Sporothrix spp. that can also cause extracutaneous manifestations. This study aimed to characterize cutaneous and extracutaneous sporotrichosis lesions in cats. Over 1 year, 102 cats rescued by the Zoonoses Control Center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, euthanized with clinical suspicion of feline sporotrichosis were evaluated. After euthanasia, the animals were evaluated by macroscopic, cytological, histopathological, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations; fungal culture; and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sporothrix infection was identified by at least one diagnostic technique in all cats (n = 102) evaluated by postmortem examination, including 26/28 cases (93%) evaluated by IHC, 66/90 cases (73%) evaluated by cytology, 70/102 cases (68.6%) evaluated by histopathology, and 62/74 cases (84%) evaluated by fungal culture. Two cats had positive results only by fungal culture. Cytology and histopathology examinations were effective in diagnosing sporotrichosis, although IHC was needed to confirm the diagnosis in cats with low fungal loads. Sporothrix brasiliensis was confirmed by the sequencing of 3 samples. Skin lesions were characterized mainly by pyogranulomatous to granulomatous dermatitis (frequently with subcutaneous inflammation) with different intensities of Sporothrix spp. yeast. Extracutaneous findings associated with sporotrichosis included rhinitis or rhinosinusitis, lymphadenitis, pneumonia, meningitis, periorchitis, conjunctivitis, and glossitis. Extracutaneous infections were observed in 74/102 cases, and a possible association between the chronicity of the disease and the higher pathogenicity of this fungal species in cats requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild and captive birds are affected by infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases. Some of these diseases are worrying for public health and the conservation of the affected species, and some diseases may be associated with captivity or with a disturbed environment. A survey of cases was therefore conducted to establish the frequency of diseases affecting wild and captive birds and the relationship with the bird's origin. All cases (necropsy and biopsy) were examined by histopathology, and in some birds, the tissues were subjected to ancillary laboratory tests such as immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and genetic sequencing. A total of 243 birds were examined, and 39.1% were wild birds from illegal trade. The most common primary diseases were infectious diseases caused by parasites (18.1%) or viruses (17.7%). Coinfections were also found in this study (18.1%), mainly in birds confiscated from illegal trade. For exotic birds, the identification of Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 5 (PsAHV 5) raised concerns about the possibility of spreading this virus to native psittaciform species. Due to the infectious nature of some pathogens, it is crucial to diagnose and monitor the health of native and exotic birds to prevent the dissemination of pathogens to avifauna. Native and exotic avian species can act as reservoirs of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, with conservation and public health implications. A retrospective study on the diagnosis and frequency of diseases in wild and exotic avian species was conducted. The occurrence of particular diseases was associated with the type of captivity or the bird's origin. The investigation included macroscopic and microscopic descriptions and the molecular determination of the causative agent(s). Additional immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis, PCR, and genetic sequencing were conducted. A total of 243 cases were compiled for the study, mainly consisting of native wild species (39.1%) obtained from illegal trade. Primary infectious diseases, mainly parasitic (18.1%) and viral (17.7%), were the most common, although coinfections were substantial (18.1%) in birds rescued from trafficking. Fractures and neoplasms accounted for 3.7% and 3.3% of the cases, respectively. Parasitic and viral diseases were the most common in both exotic and wild birds. Chlamydia psittaci, a lethal and zoonotic bacterium, was an important cause of death, especially in native Psittaciformes. The recent detection of Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 5 (PsAHV 5) in exotic psittacines and the diagnosis of coinfections in trafficked birds highlight the importance of monitoring avian health to control potential pathogens that may endanger conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]