Causes of admission, length of stay and outcomes for common kestrels in rehabilitation centres in the Czech Republic

Avian Haemosporidian Infection in Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres of Portugal: Causes, Consequences, and Genetic Diversity

In the last decade, over 40% of bird species in Europe have experienced poor and bad conservation status, with more than 30% of bird species in mainland Portugal threatened with extinction. Along with anthropogenic factors, parasites and pathogens such as avian haemosporidians have been suggested to be responsible for these avian population declines. Wildlife rehabilitation centres play an essential role in species conservation and preservation. Moreover, animals admitted for rehabilitation can provide valuable information regarding transmission and pathogenicity of many diseases that affect wild birds that are rarely sampled in nature. However, reports of haemosporidians in captive birds are still limited. Here, we explored the prevalence and genetic diversity of avian haemosporidians in 89 birds from 29 species admitted to rehabilitation centres in Portugal, showing an overall infection prevalence of 30.3%. The prevalence of infection was higher in Strigiformes and in birds admitted to rehabilitation centres due to debilitating diseases. Remarkably, 30% of the infected bird species have not been found to harbour malaria parasites in preceding studies. We detected 15 different haemosporidian lineages infecting a third of bird species sampled. Notably, 2 out of these 15 detected haemosporidian lineages have not been obtained previously in other studies. Furthermore, we also identified nine new host-parasite interactions representing new host records for these haemosporidian parasites. Finally, our results revealed that birds infected with haemosporidians require longer rehabilitation treatments, which increase the economic costs for rehabilitation and may impair their survival prospects. These findings emphasise the importance of integrating haemosporidian infection considerations into rehabilitation protocols, highlighting the challenges posed by these infections in avian conservation and rehabilitation, including economic and logistical demands.

Trends in Admissions and Outcomes at a British Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre over a Ten-Year Period (2012-2022)

Millions of animals pass through wildlife rehabilitation centres (WRCs) globally each year, some dying in captivity, others euthanised, and some released into the wild. Those caring for these animals are generally well-intentioned, but skills, knowledge, and resources may be limited, potentially compromising animal welfare. WRC databases provide an opportunity to provide an evidence base for treatment and conservation efforts. 42,841 records of animals admitted over a 10-year period to a British WRC were analysed. More birds (69.16%) were admitted than mammals (30.48%) and reptiles and amphibians (0.36%). Most admissions were in the summer (48.8%) and spring (26.0%) months. A total of 9 of the 196 species seen made up 57% of admissions, and hedgehogs were the most common species admitted (14% of all admissions and 20% of mammals). Juvenile animals (35.5%) were admitted more frequently than 'orphans' (26.0%) or adults (26.4%). 'Orphaned' was also the predominant reason for admission (28.3%), followed by 'injured' (25.5%). 42.6% of animals were eventually released back to the wild, 19.2% died in captivity, and 37.2% were euthanised; 1% of outcomes were unknown. The prognosis was better for orphaned animals than for those admitted because of injury. Unexpected natural deaths in captivity were found to decline over the period of study, consistent with improved early triage. These findings can be used to focus veterinary and WRC training and seasonal resources on the species and case types most likely to be successfully rehabilitated and released. The findings also have the potential to contribute to our understanding of anthropogenic impacts, historical and regional variations in ecosystem health, and resultant implications for animal welfare.

Causes of Raptor Admission to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Abruzzo (Central Italy) from 2005–2016

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe the causes of morbidity and mortality in free-ranging raptors admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center (WRC) in Abruzzo Italy from 2005 to 2016 and the associated risk factors. A total of 2496 free-ranging raptors were included in the study. We analyzed the raptors’ medical records, epidemiological information, bird characteristics, cause of admission, final diagnosis, and outcome. The prevalence rates of nocturnal and diurnal raptors were 49% and 51%, respectively. Nocturnal raptors showed trauma as the primary cause of admission (45.8%, 558/1219), followed by nestling (including birds on their first flight attempt or presumed abandoned by their parents) (39.2%, 478/1219), and starvation (5.6%, 68/1219). Diurnal raptors showed trauma (73.1%, 934/1277), starvation (12.1%, 155/1277), and nestling (5.8%, 74/1277) accordingly. A description of the dangers for wild birds of prey in the Abruzzo region was provided to assist in the planning of rescue and rehabilitation activities in the WRC. Finally, the cause of admission, GAP, and BCS can be used as prognostic factors during the bird entry process.