Artigo
Chlamydophila psittaci infections in hyacinth macaws (anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) confiscated in Brazil
Date
2013-03-01Registration in:
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, v. 44, n. 1, p. 169-172, 2013.
1042-7260
10.1638/1042-7260-44.1.169
2-s2.0-84875160945
Author
Universidade de São Paulo (USP)
Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros
Universidade Estadual do Centro Oeste (UNICENTRO)
Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp)
Abstract
The hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is the largest species of psittacine birds. It is considered endangered and illegal trade is one of the main factors involved in its decline. In this study, 26 hyacinth macaws maintained under poor husbandry conditions and destined for the illegal trade were confiscated in São Paulo State, Brazil. These birds were evaluated for the presence of antibodies against Chlamydophila psittaci by complement fixation test and C. psittaci DNA by seminested polymerase chain reaction. Results showed that 65.4% of the macaws were positive for at least one test. Birds with subclinical infections can shed chlamydiae intermittently over long periods, contributing to the dissemination of the agent. Global trade is one of the most important drivers of disease emergence. The high percentage of positive samples in this study emphasizes the potential risk that the illegal trade of wild birds represents for both human and animal health. Copyright 2013 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians.