First description of group A rotavirus from fecal samples of ostriches (Struthio camelus)

This study investigated the occurrence of rotavirus infections in ostriches (Struthio camelus) reared in Northern Parana, Brazil. Fecal (n = 66) and serum (n = 182) samples from nine farms located in four different cities were analyzed by silver stained-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (ss-PAGE), RT-PCR assay, virus isolation, and counterimmunoelectroosmophoresis (CIE). Rotavirus group A seropositivity occurred in 5.49% (10/182) of serum samples of ostriches originated from two farms. Only 9.09% (6/66) of fecal samples from ostriches with diarrhea maintained in one farm were positive by ss-PAGE, RT-PCR, and virus isolation. The G (VP7) and P (VP4) genotypes of rotavirus wild strains isolated in cell culture were determined by multiplex-nested PCR. The genotyping identified two rotavirus strains: G6P[1] and G10P[1]. In three rotavirus strains it was only possible to identify the P type; one strain being P[1] and two strains that presented the combination of P[1] + P[7]. These findings might represent the first characterization of rotavirus in ostriches, and the finding of porcine and bovine-like rotavirus genotypes in ostriches might suggest virus reassortment and possible interspecies transmission. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Enterobacteria Isolation in Ostrich Eggs (Struthio camelus)

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

Enterobacteria isolation in ostrich eggs (Struthio Camelus)

This study was conducted to determine the presence of enterobacteria in the eggs of ostriches reared on a farm with a history of reproductive failure. Ninety samples from twenty eggs were submitted to bacteriological tests. The results showed Enterobacteria growth in 100% of the eggs. The microorganisms isolated were Hafnia alvei in 50% (10/20), Serratia spp. in 20% (4/20), Escherichia coli in 15% (3/20), and Citrobacter freundii in 15% (3/20). All eggs presented poor eggshell quality, which favored enterobacteria contamination. Hafnia alvei was present only in the internal egg structures (albumen and yolk sac), suggesting the possibility of vertical infection.

Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana)

Rodrigues M.N., Oliveira G.B., Silva R.S.S, Tivane C.T., Albuquerque J.F.G., Miglino M.A. & Oliveira M.F. 2012. [Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana).] Macroscopia e topografia do aparelho digestorio de emas (Rhea americana americana). Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(7):681-686. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Cidade Universitaria, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508270, Brazil. E-mail: marcio_medvet@hotmail.com Rheas are birds belonging to the ratites group and, among ostriches and emus, are the largest birds currently alive. In this work we studied the macroscopic aspects of rheas' digestive tract in order to provide important information to a better understanding of these birds' eating habits as well their anatomy. Twenty young animals aging between two and six months from the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication (Cemas, scientific breeding license form Ibama no.1478912) were used. After dissection it was observed that their tongue was small and presented a rhomboid form, being disposed on the oral cavity floor, and inserted in its base by a frenulum. The esophagus was a rectilinear tube with elastic aspect and longitudinal elastic fibers, without dilation, which gives it an absence of crop. The proventriculus presented a fusiform form and the gastric ventricle showed and slightly oval form when filled, and was internally coated with a thick gastric cuticle. The small intestine was composed of three distinct regions: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The duodenum had a light gray color and showed a "U" curved shaped. The jejunum was dark green, long and composed of several short loops arranged above each other. The ileum had a gray color and was connected with the jejunum. In ventral line to the rectum and cloaca, the ileum extended cranially, dorsally to the ascending duodenum. The large intestine was composed of two caeca, one right and one left, and colon-rectum and ileum were continuous with the cloaca. The structures of the rhea digestive tract resemble those described in the literature regarding to its shape and topography, even though rhea's caeca are well developed and relatively long.