Concepedia

Health evaluation of free-ranging and hand-reared macaws (Ara spp.) in Peru.

William B. Karesh, A. Del Campo, W. Emmett Braselton, Helena Puche, R A Cook

PubMed · 1997 · 45 citations · 12 references

TL;DR

A 1994 health survey of parent‑ and hand‑reared scarlet and blue‑and‑gold macaws in southwestern Peru examined disease risks that could affect wildlife populations and public health. The study aimed to assess the health status of parent‑ and hand‑reared scarlet and blue‑and‑gold macaws. Thirty‑three macaws were examined and 27 blood samples were analyzed for hematology, plasma chemistries, vitamin and mineral levels, and bacterial and viral serology. Most birds were healthy, but antibodies to Salmonella and psittacine herpesvirus were detected, other viral serologies were negative, and disease prevalence varied between parent‑ and hand‑reared groups.

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.