The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the causes of morbidity and mortality in free-ranging raptors admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center (WRC) in Abruzzo Italy from 2005 to 2016 and the associated risk factors. A total of 2496 free-ranging raptors were included in the study. We analyzed the raptors’ medical records, epidemiological information, bird characteristics, cause of admission, final diagnosis, and outcome. The prevalence rates of nocturnal and diurnal raptors were 49% and 51%, respectively. Nocturnal raptors showed trauma as the primary cause of admission (45.8%, 558/1219), followed by nestling (including birds on their first flight attempt or presumed abandoned by their parents) (39.2%, 478/1219), and starvation (5.6%, 68/1219). Diurnal raptors showed trauma (73.1%, 934/1277), starvation (12.1%, 155/1277), and nestling (5.8%, 74/1277) accordingly. A description of the dangers for wild birds of prey in the Abruzzo region was provided to assist in the planning of rescue and rehabilitation activities in the WRC. Finally, the cause of admission, GAP, and BCS can be used as prognostic factors during the bird entry process.

The integration of innovative technologies in animal healthcare has gained significance in recent years, aiming to enhance diagnostic capabilities across various species. In this work, we address a specific challenge within avian healthcare: the accurate counting of nucleated Red Blood Cells (RBCs). We propose a novel Cell Counter and Detector (CCD) algorithm, specifically designed for avian RBCs, which utilizes smartphones and optical microscopes for rapid and precise cell counting. Leveraging Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) technology, the system ensures efficient data processing, privacy preservation, and ease of use through a user-friendly web interface. The results demonstrate that our method achieves an accuracy of 0.98, significantly outperforming existing approaches. Moreover, our system enables professionals to use the tools they already have without requiring expensive instruments. Our system leverages MEC to enable real-time processing and privacy-preserving data management, setting a new benchmark for avian blood diagnostics in terms of cost-effectiveness and accuracy. Beyond its immediate implications for avian healthcare, this research underscores the broader potential of technology in improving diagnostics for diverse animal species.

A 1-year-old major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) was presented for evaluation of weakness, diarrhea with undigested seeds in the droppings, and weight loss. Leukocytosis with severe heterophilia, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis was noted on the complete blood count. Altered plasma biochemical parameters included a slight increase in creatine kinase and mild hypoproteinemia. Two blood smears before and after 2 days of treatment revealed mild polychromasia and anisocytosis but no blood parasites. Radiographic and computed tomographic imaging of the cockatoo were helpful in identifying airsacculitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. The patient died 5 days after treatment for the presenting clinical problems. On the gross postmortem examination, dark red foci in the ventricular muscle layers and 1–3-mm white foci in the myocardium, opaque air sacs, and dark lungs were identified. Histopathologic examination of submitted tissue samples found severe granulomatous ventriculitis and myocarditis with intralesional Haemoproteus species megalomeronts. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction testing for the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene performed on pooled heart, liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues identified 99.5% homology to Haemoproteus minutus. This case report demonstrates the expansion of the geographic range of H minutus to France and potentially to Belgium, which may compromise breeding and conservation of Australian parrots living outdoors. Challenging diagnosis, rapid disease progression, and the absence of validated treatment protocols for psittacine patients suggest that the use of preventive measures to reduce the presence of insect vectors such as hippoboscid flies and biting midges (Culicoides) should be considered. Haemoproteus minutus should be considered and potentially screened by polymerase chain reaction testing on blood samples, especially in the case of highly susceptible avian species (eg, Australian parrots in Europe) that present with sudden weakness, heterophilic leukocytosis, and monocytosis associated with mild anemia.

Background: Rectal intussusception associated with cloacal wall prolapse is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. In raptors, cloacal prolapse associated with enteritis has only been described in the genera Buteo, Parabuteo, and Aquila. Four cases of intussusception and cloacal prolapse were reported in kestrel with severe parasitosis. The aim of this report is to describe a case involving rectum intussusception and cloacal wall prolapse in a hybrid falcon (F. cherrug x F. peregrinus) associated with bacterial enteritis. Case description: A 2-year-old hybrid Saker X Peregrine falcon that was housed in a breeding facility was hospitalized for anorexia, severe depression, and intermittent cloacal prolapse. Based on radiographic findings, an intestinal obstruction was detected. Following an endoscopy through the cloaca, a rectal intussusception was suspected. Consequently, via a ventral midline celiotomy, an 8.6 cm section of the intestine was resected; this was followed by an end-to-end intestinal anastomosis. Despite the attempted treatment, the falcon died. Histopathologic and bacteriological examinations were performed and revealed transmural enteritis caused by gram-negative enteropathogenic bacteria. Mucoid strains of Escherichia coli that were multiresistant to various antibiotics were isolated from the fecal pool. Conclusion and case relevance: This case describes an antemortem diagnosis and treatment of rectum intussusception associated with a cloacal wall prolapse in a hybrid female of the genus Falco affected by bacterial enteritis. In the case of severe bacterial enteritis, intestinal intussusception should be excluded as this type of complication could represent a life-threatening condition for the patient.

Manual handling of chickens is required for many veterinary, research, and breeding procedures. This study aimed to assess the changes in physiological parameters over time during manual restraint of chickens, as well as the effect of hooding on these parameters. Heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured every 3 minutes for 15 minutes during manual restraint in 13 adult laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Heart rate variability was significantly higher in hooded hens than in nonhooded hens (P= 0.003) but was not significant over time. Hooded hens were also found to have significantly lower heart rate (P = 0.043) and respiratory rate (P = 0.042) compared to nonhooded hens. Heart rate and respiratory rate significantly decreased over time, independent of the use of the hood (P = 0.008; P = 0.01, respectively). Temperature was found to increase significantly (P = 0.001) over time for both groups. Overall, hooding increased heart rate variability, a factor associated with a lower stress level, and decreased heart rate and respiratory rate. In conclusion, these data suggest that the use of the hood reduces stress levels in birds during manual restraint. Therefore, the use of the hood is encouraged for short (less than 15 minutes) painless procedures, such as physical examination or radiographic acquisition.