Title
Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and serosurvey for selected infectious agents in southern giant petrels from Patagonia, Argentina
Author(s)
Uhart M.M., Quintana F., Karesh W.B., Braselton W.E.
Published
2003
Publisher
Journal of Wildlife Diseases
Abstract
In conjunction with reproductive and feeding ecology studies on southern giant petrels (SGP, Macronectes giganteus) blood samples were collected for baseline health evaluations. Twenty-five adult SGP from a breeding colony in Chubut, Argentina, were sampled during two consecutive breeding seasons, 1999-2000 (n=15) and 2000-01 (n=10). Values for hematology, plasma biochemistry, and minerals are described for 20 birds in apparent good physical condition. A serologic survey of exposure to selected infectious agents was also conducted on all 25 birds sampled. Southern giant petrels were serologically negative for evidence of exposure to infectious laryngotracheitis virus, avian encephalomyelitis virus, avian influenza virus, avian reovirus, infectious bursal disease virus, infectious bronchitis virus, paramyxovirus 1, 2, and 3 virus, Chlamydophila, and Aspergillus. Antibodies to avian adenovirus were found in 14% of SGP during the first sampling season, and 60% in the second year. Additionally, all birds were negative for antibodies to Salmonella pullorum at the first sampling date, but 90% had low titers the following breeding season. This study contributes to understanding the health status of South Atlantic seabirds and to establishment of baseline information for SGP. Long-term monitoring of pelagic predator-scavenger seabirds such as SCP should be established for the surveillance of marine ecosystem health. © Wildlife Disease Association 2003.
Keywords
bacterium antibody; virus antibody; animal; animal disease; animal salmonellosis; Argentina; article; Aviadenovirus; bird; bird disease; blood; blood analysis; blood examination; communicable disease; immunology; Salmonella; virus infection; Adenoviridae Infections; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibodies, Viral; Argentina; Aviadenovirus; Bird Diseases; Birds; Blood Chemical Analysis; Communicable Diseases; Hematologic Tests; Salmonella; Salmonella Infections, Animal; Adenoviridae; Aspergillus; Aves; Aviadenovirus; Avian encephalomyelitis virus; Avian infectious bronchitis virus; Avian influenza virus; Avian orthoreovirus; Chlamydophila; Ciconiiformes; Enterovirus; Gallid herpesvirus 1; Galliformes; Infectious bursal disease virus; Influenza virus; Macronectes; Macronectes giganteus; Paramyxoviridae; Reovirus sp.; Salmonella; Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Gallinarum; Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Pullorum; Strawberry green petal phytoplasma
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB12514