Insights from blood profiles, pathogen prevalence in captive avian species

Birds exhibit a cosmopolitan distribution and are believed to comprise a class of vertebrates that originated approximately 150 million years ago. Their diversity reveals morphological and ecological relationships with dense populations, particularly in the Neotropics. 

Apart from their vital role in ecosystem maintenance, many avian species are utilised as food sources in their natural habitats, farmed for human consumption, and kept as pet birds. The farming and display of birds in aviaries have evolved into highly profitable businesses in numerous countries. While confined systems contribute to enhanced bird populations, the elevated densities in these environments also facilitate the transfer of parasitic agents and pathogenic microbes, posing challenges such as disease outbreaks and the management of farmed birds, which are highly sensitive to changing weather conditions.

Captive bird populations are more susceptible to diseases due to the high density in captivity, and arthropod vectors can transmit parasitic infections from infected birds to healthy ones. Infectious diseases and parasites represent significant threats, leading to ailments and mortality. Changes in people’s lifestyles and closer contact with animals have accelerated parasitic and bacterial infections, possibly attributed to closer interaction with adopted small animals treated as family members. Simultaneously, intensified animal farms, crucial for food supplies, serve as major sources of food-borne bacterial and zoonotic pathogens in today’s growing world. A thorough understanding of the blood biochemical profile is essential for proper captive bird management, including the characterization of parasites and microbiota, which may have zoonotic significance. Understanding pathogenic bacterial species can aid in minimising their pathogenicity.

The study analyzed and compared the blood biochemical profiles of various captive avian species, including the chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), albino pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). Significant variations were observed, with parrots showing higher cholesterol and glucose levels, while chukar exhibited the lowest levels of both. The blood biochemical profile, encompassing parameters such as glucose levels, enzymes, electrolytes, and proteins, plays a crucial role in assessing a bird’s health status.

Biochemical tests and molecular characterization were conducted to confirm the presence of Salmonella and Escherichia sp. The general prevalence of these pathogens in different captive avian species was determined, emphasising the importance of implementing biosecurity measures. Seventeen species of endoparasites, fourteen from faecal samples and three from blood, were examined. A comprehensive biosecurity plan, involving regular cleaning and disinfection, proper waste management, controlled access, and hygiene protocols, is crucial for reducing the risk of parasitic and bacterial contamination and subsequent infections. The implementation of such a plan is recommended to prevent the spread of pathogenic bacteria within the area and cages housing avian species. –RIZWANA NOOR (The author is pursuing this article for a PhD degree from the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore.)