Time: Thursday, 29/Aug/2024: 4:15pm - 4:30pm Session Chair: Bronwen Presswell, Otago University Session Chair: Michelle Power, Macquarie University |
Location: Lecture Theatre 3, Uni of Auckland Engineering Complex Bldg LT 401-439 Lecture Theatre 401-439 – Neon Theatre |
Identifying alternate treatments for coccidiosis in native kiwi (Apteryx spp.) - a prophylactic efficacy study in captive-reared chicks
1School of Veterinary Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand; 2Wildbase, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Native brown kiwi (Apteryx mantelli) chicks in conservation captive rearing programmes commonly suffer from coccidiosis, a parasitic disease that can cause significant morbidity and mortality in young birds. Disease is currently managed in captivity through a combination of preventative husbandry and medication (coccidiocides). However, recent evidence suggests that the efficacy of the primary drug used to treat coccidia (toltrazuril) is declining (Taylor, 2019) and there is a lack of information about safe and effective alternative therapeutics.
The aim of this study was to try and identify some suitable alternate options for treating coccidiosis in kiwi. During the 2023-24 breeding season we trialled one of the potential alternate treatments, diclazuril, as a prophylactic treatment for Operation Nest Egg (ONE) brown kiwi chicks in captive rearing facilities. In addition to standard oocyst reduction counts, we used a recently developed molecular tool (to assess species composition) and sporulation tests (to test oocyst viability).
The results of this efficacy study will be discussed, as well as some of the unique aspects of working with wildlife in a controlled clinical study design, such as limited sample size and need to modify protocols to gather accurate data whilst maintaining health and welfare of this rare species.
Detection of intestinal parasites in falcon species in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Saudi Arabia
Intestinal parasites are one of the main threats that affect the health of the host and its ability to produce. Falcons are considered an innate wealth of high value in various parts of the world and in Saudi Arabia in particular. This study aimed to detect the prevalence of intestinal parasites in falcons, where 125 stool samples from different types of falcons were examined by direct fecal smear method. The examination revealed that 87.2% were infected with intestinal parasites. The overall parasite prevalence was Serratospiculum seurati 47.2%, Caryospora spp. 46.4%, Strigea falconis 6.4%, Capillaria columbae 1.6%, tapeworms 5.6%, Ascaridia spp. 0.8%, and Giardia 0.8% in the infected falcons. Infection samples were re-examined by direct fecal stain and centrifugal floatation to compare the best way for the fecal examination which appeared that the direct fecal smear is one of the most effective methods for the detection of parasites. Overall, Preserving the safety of the environment and the food provided to falcons is essential for their health. Falcons are highly sensitive to environmental changes and can be easily affected by parasites, which can cause serious health issues and even death in some cases.
Recent mass mortality of Aotearoa's endemic and at risk Tarāpuka, black-billed gulls
University of Otago, New Zealand
Two mortality events in a colony of Tarāpuka (black-billed gulls, Chroicocephalus bulleri), an 'at risk-declining' and endemic species in Aotearoa occurred in 2023 and 2024. In a colony of 500 adult and 200 juvenile birds, nesting near the Māngere Bridge in Auckland, an estimated 160 juveniles died within a period of a few days. A collaborative effort from various wildlife agencies across Aotearoa identified the disease agent as a schistosome trematode, Austrobilharzia terrigalensis. In this talk, I'll chat about what we know about this parasite, how it got to New Zealand, into our gulls and what it means for their conservation and the surrounding ecosystem.