Title
Health evaluation of free-ranging and hand-reared macaws (Ara spp.) in Peru
Author(s)
Karesh W.B., Del Campo A., Braselton W.E., Puche H., Cook R.A.
Published
1997
Publisher
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Abstract
As part of ongoing ecological studies and reproduction enhancement efforts for macaws in southwestern Peru, a health survey of parent- and hand-reared scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and blue and gold macaws (Ara ararauna) was conducted in 1994. Thirty-three birds were examined during handling procedures, and blood samples were collected from 27 (9 parent reared, 18 hand reared) for laboratory analysis. All but one bird appeared to be in good condition, with no abnormality noted during physical examination. Hematology, plasma chemistries, and plasma vitamin and mineral levels were studied and correlated with the results of bacterial and viral serology. Positive antibody titers for Salmonella and psittacine herpesvirus were found. These diseases have the potential to affect wildlife population dynamics, and Salmonella may have public health significance. Serological tests for avian influenza, infectious laryngotracheitis, paramyxovirus-1, -2, -3, polyoma virus, chlamydiosis, and aspergillosis were negative. Differences in disease prevalence were found between rearing situations. Copyright 1997 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.
Keywords
bacterium antibody; enzyme; metal; virus antibody; animal; animal disease; animal parasitosis; article; bird disease; blood; blood analysis; blood examination; cohort analysis; communicable disease; domestic animal; health status; leukocyte count; parasitology; Peru; physical examination; psittacine; wild animal; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibodies, Viral; Bird Diseases; Blood Chemical Analysis; Cohort Studies; Communicable Diseases; Enzymes; Health Status; Hematologic Tests; Leukocyte Count; Metals; Parasitic Diseases, Animal; Peru; Physical Examination; Psittaciformes
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PUB12905