The global poultry industry, as a leading producer of animal protein, faces significant challenges related to animal health and production due to high bird density and disease risks. A major concern is the Avian Respiratory Complex (ARC), a multifactorial health issue involving pathogens such as avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), an often-underdiagnosed component of the ARC. Wild birds are seen as reservoirs and spreaders of the virus. This study aimed to detect the presence and subtypes of aMPV in samples from breeders, broilers, laying hens, and wild birds in Colombia. A total of 273 samples, including swabs from the upper respiratory and reproductive tracts, were collected from commercial poultry and wild birds. Using nested RT-PCR targeting the G gene, aMPV subtype B was identified in 23 samples (8.42%). Sequencing revealed high genetic similarity to vaccine strains, classifying all viruses as vaccine-like. In the commercial birds, aMPV-B appeared in 21 samples, regardless of symptoms, often in tests for other ARC agents, indicating diagnostic bias. In the wild birds, two samples tested positive, suggesting potential transmission between wild and domestic birds. These findings highlight the need for broader diagnostics and further research into aMPV’s impact on avian health.

An osteoma is an infrequent tumor documented in avian species. An adult female Peach-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) with a history of previous trauma was examined due to the presence of bilateral hard and yellowish-white masses in the radio-cubital humerus junction. Histopathological dermal examination revealed a non-neoplastic process of mesenchymal origin, characterized by the formation of well-differentiated trabecular bone, multiple areas of medullary bone and loose connective tissue and coagulation of the necrosis foci. Based on the histological findings and the medical history, the masses were diagnosed as bilateral secondary osteoma cutis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of this pathology with an acute course in this exotic pet bird. The previous trauma could be the initiating cause.

Nutritional additives such as propolis seek to improve intestinal health as an alternative to the global ban on in-feed antibiotics used as growth promoters (AGP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis supplementation in diet of broilers. Four hundred and fifty straight-run Ross 308 AP broilers were fed with a basal diet (BD) throughout the whole experimental period. Birds were randomly distributed into 5 groups at d 14: negative control without antibiotics nor propolis (AGP-), positive control 500 ppm of Zinc Bacitracin as growth promoter (AGP+), and 3 groups supplemented with 150, 300, and 450 ppm of propolis. Every group included 6 replicates of 15 birds each. Propolis concentration was increased from d 22 to 42, in experimental groups to 300, 600, and 900 ppm of propolis, and 10% of raw soybean was included as a challenge in all groups during the same period. Analysis of productive parameters, intestinal morphometry, and relative quantification of genes associated with epithelial integrity by qPCR were performed at 21 and 42 d. The groups with the greatest weights were those that consumed diets including 150 (21 d) and 900 ppm (42 d) of propolis compared with all treatments. The lowest score of ISI was found at 300 (21 d) and 600 ppm (42 d). A lower degree of injury in digestive system was seen with the inclusion of 300 ppm (21 d) and 900 ppm (42 d). Up-regulation of zonula occludens-1 ( ZO-1 ) was observed in jejunum of broilers supplemented with 150 and 300 ppm at 21 d. Up-regulation of ZO-1 and TGF-β was also evidenced in ileum at all propolis inclusion levels at 42-day-old compared to AGP+ and AGP-. The beneficial effects were evidenced at inclusion levels of 150 ppm in the starter and 900 ppm in the finisher. According to the results, the Colombian propolis inclusion can improve productive performance, physiological parameters, and gene expression associated with intestinal integrity.

We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of different inclusion rates and routes of administration of Ganoderma spp. on growth performance and gut morphology in broilers. We randomly assigned 320 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) to eight treatments with the same basal diet. Performance parameters were food intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatments were a basal diet (NC) with 55 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate BMC (PC), basal diet with Ganoderma at [...] ABSTRACT We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of different inclusion rates and routes of administration of Ganoderma spp. on growth performance and gut morphology in broilers. We randomly assigned 320 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) to eight treatments with the same basal diet. Performance parameters were food intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Treatments were a basal diet (NC) with 55 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate BMC (PC), basal diet with Ganoderma at

El virus de la enfermedad de Gumboro (IBDV) es un avibirnavirus con genoma dsARN que presenta altas tasas de mutación y recombinación. A pesar del efecto inmunosupresor en aves y la frecuencia con que ocurre la infección por este agente en el país son pocos los estudios que caracterizan los cuadros clínicos y se desconoce cuáles son los genogrupos circulantes. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la frecuencia de lesiones histopatológicas en órganos del sistema inmune e identificar los genogrupos del IBDV en aves comerciales de Colombia. Para determinar la frecuencia de presentación de lesiones en órganos del sistema inmune se analizaron 381 casos clínicos de las bases de datos del Laboratorio de Patología Aviar (LPA) de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, sede Bogotá (periodo 2016-2018). Asimismo, se secuenciaron los productos de RT-PCR del gen que codifica para la proteína viral VP2 provenientes de 35 muestras de bursas de Fabricio. Como resultado se encontró evidencia de lesiones microscópicas compatibles con procesos de inmunodepresión en órganos del sistema inmune (bursa de Fabricio, timo, bazo y médula ósea) en el 25 % (97) de los casos analizados y se identificaron los genogrupos 1, 2 y 4 en la siguiente proporción: genogrupo 1-69 % (virus clásicos), genogrupo 2-25 % (variantes) y genogrupo 4-6 % (identificado en Suramérica). Estos hallazgos demuestran la presencia de lesiones en órganos del sistema inmune y la existencia de los genogrupos 1, 2 y 3 del IBDV circulando en aves comerciales en Colombia. Esta es la primera investigación en el país con este sistema de clasificación que permite evidenciar con mayor precisión los cambios en el genoma del IBDV. Lo anterior señala la necesidad de continuar con este tipo de estudios para tener una mejor comprensión de la infección en campo y orientar el diseño e implementación de estrategias de control.

Understanding wild avian mortality is crucial for effective population management and ex-situ care improvement. Despite Colombia’s status as a global hotspot for bird biodiversity, epidemiological data on mortality causes and trends remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate avian mortality causes, trends, and forecast future deaths of birds admitted to the Avian Pathology Laboratory (LPA) at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. A 19-year dataset (2004–2023) from LPA was analyzed to identify significant mortality causes and trends based on disease categories, temporal dynamics, sex, and age. Forecasting analyses were conducted. A total of 726 wild birds from 100 genera, including 20 orders, were analyzed, with Psittaciformes (27.5%) and Strigiformes (19.8%) being the most frequent. Adults were more affected (70.6%, P = 0.03), with 1.87-times fold greater odds of death than among young birds ( P = 0.006; IC = 1.87; 1.19–2.92). Overall, 63.2% of birds were diagnosed with infectious diseases. Time-series analysis revealed increased mortalities in February, March ( P < 0.05), and September ( P < 0.001), with variations by disease category, age, sex, and taxonomic group. From 2016 to 2023, deaths showed an increasing trend (APC = 26.8% per year; 95% CI = 3.62 to 55.23; P < 0.05). The SARIMA model predicted a rise in overall mortality in March, July, and November of 2024, with increased mortality due to infectious diseases in July and among males in September. The study’s findings underscore the predominance of seasonal infectious diseases and highlight the need for further surveillance and analysis of temporal variations, contributing to improved wildlife disease management and forecasting.