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Blanch-Lázaro B, Chamings A, Ribot RFH, Bhatta TR, Berg ML, Alexandersen S, Bennett ATD. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) persists in tissues of asymptomatic wild Crimson Rosellas. Commun Biol 2024; 7:1017. [PMID: 39289466 PMCID: PMC11408594 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06652-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases can drive populations and species to extinction. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a circovirus of global conservation concern that can infect all Psittaciformes and some other species. Yet some parrot species, such as Crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans), can live successfully with high BFDV prevalence (>40%) with no clinical signs reported in infected individuals. We assessed BFDV load in 10-12 tissues per bird, from n = 66 P. elegans, to reveal tissue tropism and BFDV persistence in tissues. Here we show that in 94% of individuals, BFDV was detected in one or more tissues. While BFDV replicated to high levels in subadults, in adults (some confirmed seropositive) the virus persisted in various tissues at much lower levels. Our findings reveal that BFDV is much more common in wild P. elegans than previously thought and suggest that current screening practices (mostly on blood) may substantially underestimate BFDV infection estimates, with implications for biosecurity and conservation programs globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Blanch-Lázaro
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
- Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP), CSIRO, Geelong, VIC, Australia.
| | - Anthony Chamings
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute, NSW Department of Primary Industries, Menangle, NSW, Australia
| | - Raoul F H Ribot
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Tarka Raj Bhatta
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory (ARRL), Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Innovation in Infectious Disease and Immunology Research (CIIDIR), Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Parks Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Soren Alexandersen
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Barwon Health, University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Viborg Campus, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
- One Health Research Group, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Werribee, VIC, Australia
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Recovery from Beak and Feather Disease Virus Infection in a Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustus) Population in South Africa. J Wildl Dis 2022; 58:882-886. [PMID: 36136451 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-21-00161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is one of the most important viral diseases affecting parrot species worldwide. Outbreaks of PBFD have been reported in wild endemic and endangered South African Cape Parrots (Poicephalus robustus), most recently in 2008. A previous study of wild Cape Parrots in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa in 2010-11 found 34/49 birds positive for beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), the causative agent of PBFD, showing that the outbreak was still ongoing. The present study (2015-16) screened 30 blood samples from the same Cape Parrot population for BFDV infection by PCR: all parrots were found to be BFDV DNA-negative, which showed both that BFDV infection in the region has declined and that the parrot population has recovered. Our data contribute to the important negative data set which permits monitoring the progress of BFDV infections in wild Psittaciformes. We recommend a PCR method with universal BFDV primers as a quick, easy, and consistent diagnostic test for BFDV detection.
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Blanco G, Morinha F, Carrete M, Tella JL. Apparent Lack of Circovirus Transmission from Invasive Parakeets to Native Birds. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:3196. [PMID: 35328884 PMCID: PMC8953828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The transmission of pathogens to native species has been highlighted as one of the most important impacts of biological invasions. In this study, we evaluated the presence of psittacine beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and other circoviruses in native bird species cohabiting with invasive populations of wild rose-ringed (Psittacula krameri) and monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) that were found positive for a particular BFDV genotype in Sevilla, southern Spain. None of the 290 individuals from the 18 native bird species captured showed typical signs of disease caused by BFDV. A sample of 79 individuals from 15 native species showed negative results for the presence of the BFDV genotype previously detected in the sympatric invasive parakeets, as well as any other of the circoviruses tested. Although preliminary, this study suggests a lack of circovirus transmission from invasive parakeets to native birds at the study site. Further research is needed to determine if this apparent absence in transmission depends on the BFDV genotype present in the parakeets, which requires additional screening in other invasive and native populations living in sympatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, National Museum of Natural Sciences (MNCN), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Morinha
- Morinha Lab-Laboratory of Biodiversity and Molecular Genetics, 5000-562 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Martina Carrete
- Department of Physical, Chemical and Natural Systems, University Pablo de Olavide, Ctra. de Utrera km. 1, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - José L Tella
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
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Blanch-Lázaro B, Ribot RF, Berg ML, Alexandersen S, Bennett AT. Ability to detect antibodies to beak and feather disease virus in blood on filter paper decreases with duration of storage. PeerJ 2021; 9:e12642. [PMID: 35036139 PMCID: PMC8697771 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.12642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is a circovirus that infects captive and wild psittacine birds, and is of conservation concern. The haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay is used to determine antibody titres against BFDV, and the use of dried blood spots (DBS) on filter paper stored at room temperature has been suggested to be an equally valid technique to the use of frozen serum. However, research on other pathogens has found variable results when investigating the longevity of antibodies stored on DBS at room temperature. Consequently, we aimed to test the temporal stability of antibodies to BFDV in DBS samples stored long-term at room temperature. A further goal was to add to the current knowledge of antibody response to naturally acquired BFDV infection in crimson rosellas (Platycercus elegans). Methods Blood was collected from wild P. elegans in Victoria, Australia, that had been live-trapped (n = 9) or necropsied (n = 11). BFDV virus load data were obtained from blood stored in ethanol by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR); antibody titres were obtained by HI assay from either DBS or serum samples, which had been collected concurrently. All HI assays were performed commercially by the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) in Charles Sturt University, Australia, who were blind to BFDV blood status. Results HI titres from DBS stored at room temperature declined significantly over time (~80 weeks). By contrast, frozen serum samples assayed after 80 weeks in storage all had high HI titres, only varying up to one dilution step from the initial HI titres obtained from DBS at 3–6 weeks after sampling. Weak HI titres from DBS samples all came back negative when the test was repeated only nine weeks later. Novel high HI titres were reported in P. elegans, and while most birds with high antibody titres had corresponding negative qPCR results, a single subadult presented with high HI titres and virus load simultaneously. Conclusion Detection of antibodies on filter paper stored at room temperature decreases over time, increasing the chances of false negatives in these samples, and in repeated testing of samples with weak HI titres. Consequently, serum should be the preferred sample type to use for seroepidemiological studies on BFDV in parrots and other bird species. When not possible, it may help to store DBS on filter paper at −20 °C or lower. However, prompt testing of DBS samples (e.g., <6 weeks in storage) is recommended pending further research on antibody temporal stability. We also show that P. elegans, especially adults, can produce high antibody titres against BFDV, which may help them resist infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Blanch-Lázaro
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Raoul F.H. Ribot
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L. Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Soren Alexandersen
- Geelong Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Barwon Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T.D. Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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Morales A, Sibrián X, Porras FD. Survey of Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV) in Guatemalan Neotropical Psittacine Birds. J Avian Med Surg 2021; 35:325-332. [PMID: 34677031 DOI: 10.1647/20-00042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), a circovirus, is the etiologic agent of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), a progressive and often fatal disease in Psittaciformes. Even though neotropical psittacine species are more resistant to clinical infection than Old World species, BFDV is recognized as a threat to immunologically naïve wild psittacine flocks and its epidemiologic control is paramount for conservation efforts in Neotropical species. Samples were collected from multiple psittacine species, including Ara species, Amazona species, and the white-crowned parrot (Pionus senilis) from the only rescue center in Guatemala with formal psittacine rehabilitation and reintroduction programs. A total of 117 birds, with 101 adults and 16 juveniles of unknown sex, were tested for BFDV by means of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The BFDV prevalence found in this study was 0%, (95% confidence interval, 0%-6.0%). Seven 2-8-year-old scarlet macaws (Ara macao cyanoptera) with positive results from previous surveys by conventional PCR yielded negative results in this study, suggesting complete infection resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Morales
- Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Association (ARCAS), Principal Avenue, El Arrozal, Flores, Petén, Guatemala 17001
| | - Ximena Sibrián
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), University City, Guatemala City 01012, ,
| | - Flor Dinorah Porras
- School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics, University of San Carlos of Guatemala (USAC), University City, Guatemala City 01012
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Raidal SR, Magrath MJL, Bennett ATD. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) prevalence, load and excretion in seven species of wild caught common Australian parrots. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235406. [PMID: 32609774 PMCID: PMC7329075 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogens pose a major risk to wild host populations, especially in the face of ongoing biodiversity declines. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) can affect most if not all members of one of the largest and most threatened bird orders world-wide, the Psittaciformes. Signs of disease can be severe and mortality rates high. Its broad host range makes it a risk to threatened species in particular, because infection can occur via spill-over from abundant hosts. Despite these risks, surveillance of BFDV in locally abundant wild host species has been lacking. We used qPCR and haemagglutination assays to investigate BFDV prevalence, load and shedding in seven abundant host species in the wild in south-east Australia: Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans), Eastern Rosellas (Platycercus eximius), Galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus), Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), Blue-winged Parrots (Neophema chrysostoma), Rainbow Lorikeets (Trichoglossus moluccanus) and Red-rumped Parrots (Psephotus haematonotus). We found BFDV infection in clinically normal birds in six of the seven species sampled. We focused our analysis on the four most commonly caught species, namely Crimson Rosellas (BFDV prevalence in blood samples: 41.8%), Sulphur-crested Cockatoos (20.0%), Blue-winged Parrots (11.8%) and Galahs (8.8%). Species, but not sex, was a significant predictor for BFDV prevalence and load. 56.1% of BFDV positive individuals were excreting BFDV antigen into their feathers, indicative of active viral replication with shedding. Being BFDV positive in blood samples predicted shedding in Crimson Rosellas. Our study confirms that BFDV is endemic in our study region, and can inform targeted disease management by providing comparative data on interspecies variation in virus prevalence, load and shedding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M. Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Helena S. Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L. Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane R. Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia
| | | | - Andy T. D. Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Raidal SR, Magrath MJL, Bennett ATD. A non-invasive method to assess environmental contamination with avian pathogens: beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) detection in nest boxes. PeerJ 2020; 8:e9211. [PMID: 32566393 PMCID: PMC7293853 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.9211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Indirect transmission of pathogens can pose major risks to wildlife, yet the presence and persistence of wildlife pathogens in the environment has been little studied. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) is of global conservation concern: it can infect all members of the Psittaciformes, one of the most threatened bird orders, with infection often being lethal. Indirect transmission of BFDV through contaminated nest hollows has been proposed as a major infection source. However, data on whether and for how long nest sites in the wild remain contaminated have been absent. We determined the BFDV status of birds (parents and nestlings) for 82 nests of Crimson Rosellas, Platycercus elegans and Eastern Rosellas, Platycercus eximius. In 11 of these nests (13.4%, 95% confidence interval 6.9-22.7), we found an infected parent or nestling. Using nest swabs, we then compared BFDV presence at three points in time (before, during and after breeding) in three groups of nest boxes. These were nest boxes occupied by infected birds, and two control groups (nest boxes occupied by uninfected birds, and unoccupied nest boxes). Detection of BFDV on nest swabs was strongly associated with the infection status of parents in each nest box and with the timing of breeding. During breeding, boxes occupied by BFDV-positive birds were significantly more likely to have BFDV-positive nest swabs than boxes occupied by BFDV-negative birds; nest swabs tested BFDV-positive in 80% (28.4-99.5) of nests with parental antigen excretion, 66.7% (9.4-99.2) of nests occupied by parents with BFDV-positive cloacal swabs and 66.7% (22.3-95.7) of nests occupied by parents with BFDV-positive blood. 0% (0-52.2) of nests with BFDV-positive nestlings had BFDV-positive nest swabs. Across all boxes occupied by BFDV-positive birds (parents or nestlings), no nest swabs were BFDV-positive before breeding, 36.4% (95% CI 10.9-69.2) were positive during breeding and 9.1% (0.2-41.3) remained positive after breeding. BFDV was present on nest swabs for up to 3.7 months. Our study provides novel insights into the potential role of nest cavities and other fomites in indirect transmission of BFDV, and possibly other pathogens, and offers a non-invasive method for surveillance of pathogens in wild bird populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shane R Raidal
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael J L Magrath
- Wildlife Conservation and Science, Zoos Victoria, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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Martens JM, Stokes HS, Berg ML, Walder K, Bennett ATD. Seasonal fluctuation of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) infection in wild Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans). Sci Rep 2020; 10:7894. [PMID: 32398741 PMCID: PMC7217931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding patterns of pathogen emergence can help identify mechanisms involved in transmission dynamics. Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) poses a major threat world-wide to wild and captive parrots. Yet data from wild birds on seasonal fluctuations in prevalence and infection intensity, and thereby the potential high-risk times for virus transmission, have been lacking. We screened wild Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans) for BFDV in blood and cloacal swabs. Prevalence in blood samples and cloacal swabs, as well as viral load varied with Julian date and in blood, were highest after the breeding season. Breeding birds had lower viral load and lower BFDV prevalence in blood than non-breeding birds (10.1% prevalence in breeding vs. 43.2% in non-breeding birds). BFDV prevalence was much higher in younger (<3 years) than older (≥3 years) birds for both blood samples (42.9% vs. 4.5%) and cloacal swabs (56.4% vs. 12.3%). BFDV status in blood and cloacal samples was not correlated within individuals. We show that, at least in P. elegans, BFDV infection seems to occur year-round, with seasonal changes in prevalence and load found in our samples. Our analyses suggest that the seasonal changes were associated primarily with the breeding season. We also discuss age and sex as important predictors of BFDV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne M Martens
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia.
| | - Helena S Stokes
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
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Berg ML, Knott B, Ribot RFH, Buchanan KL, Bennett ATD. Do glucocorticoids or carotenoids mediate plumage coloration in parrots? An experiment in Platycercus elegans. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2019; 280:82-90. [PMID: 31002829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Conspicuous coloration can indicate phenotypic quality, and may reflect exposure or vulnerability to stress, or access to essential nutrients such as pigments. Although the production of pigmented colours is well understood, much less is known about how structural colours are affected by physiological state. In this study, we tested whether glucocorticoids (corticosterone) predicted expression of plumage coloration in an Australian parrot, the crimson rosella (Platycercus elegans). Parrots provide an interesting and unique test, as they possess conspicuous coloration produced by distinctive pigments known as psittacofulvins, in addition to structural coloration. We have previously documented that coloration in P. elegans is condition-dependent and responds to dietary manipulation. Here, n = 21 P. elegans underwent a dietary manipulation (including food restriction or carotenoid supplementation) during which they moulted, and the change in reflectance was measured for three structural and three pigmentary plumage patches. Stress-induced corticosterone (10 min after handling) measured at the start of the experiment predicted change in coloration in two pigmentary patches (crown and front). We also found that change in stress-induced corticosterone during the experiment was associated with the change in coloration of the crown and two structural patches (cheek and epaulette). Baseline corticosterone (<3 min after handling) was not associated with any measure of coloration. We found no effects of dietary manipulation on baseline or stress-induced corticosterone, but carotenoid supplementation was associated with an increase in a measure of chronic stress (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio), and the corticosterone response to handling decreased over the course of the study. Our results suggest that corticosterone may be linked to colour expression more broadly than previously recognised, including psittacofulvin and structural coloration in parrots, and they confirm the independence of plumage pigmentation in parrots from carotenoid accumulation. Moreover, our study provides new insight into the stress responses of Psittaciformes, one of the most highly threatened avian orders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Ben Knott
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Raoul F H Ribot
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia; School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
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10
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Hygiene and biosecurity protocols reduce infection prevalence but do not improve fledging success in an endangered parrot. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4779. [PMID: 30886308 PMCID: PMC6423005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41323-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) are recognised as global extinction drivers of threatened species. Unfortunately, biodiversity managers have few tested solutions to manage them when often the desperate need for solutions necessitates a response. Here we test in situ biosecurity protocols to assess the efficacy of managing Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), one of the most common and emergent viral diseases in wild parrots (Psittaciformes) that is currently affecting numerous threatened species globally. In response to an outbreak of PBFD in Mauritius “echo” parakeets (Psittacula eques), managers implemented a set of biosecurity protocols to limit transmission and impact of Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV). Here we used a reciprocal design experiment on the wild population to test whether BFDV management reduced viral prevalence and viral load, and improved nestling body condition and fledge success. Whilst management reduced the probability of nestling infection by approximately 11% there was no observed impact on BFDV load and nestling body condition. In contrast to expectations there was lower fledge success in nests with added BFDV biosecurity (83% in untreated vs. 79% in treated nests). Our results clearly illustrate that management for wildlife conservation should be critically evaluated through targeted monitoring and experimental manipulation, and this evaluation should always focus on the fundamental objective of conservation.
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Tollington S, Ewen JG, Newton J, McGill RAR, Smith D, Henshaw A, Fogell DJ, Tatayah V, Greenwood A, Jones CG, Groombridge JJ. Individual consumption of supplemental food as a predictor of reproductive performance and viral infection intensity. J Appl Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Tollington
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
- North of England Zoological Society Chester UK
| | - John G. Ewen
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London London UK
| | - Jason Newton
- NERC Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry FacilitySUERC East Kilbride UK
| | | | - Donal Smith
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London London UK
- School of Environment and Life SciencesUniversity of Salford Salford UK
| | | | - Deborah J. Fogell
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
- Institute of ZoologyZoological Society of London London UK
| | | | | | - Carl G. Jones
- School of Environment and Life SciencesUniversity of Salford Salford UK
- Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust Jersey UK
| | - Jim J. Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and EcologySchool of Anthropology and ConservationUniversity of Kent Canterbury UK
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12
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Larson ER, Eastwood JR, Micallef S, Wehbe J, Bennett ATD, Berg ML. Nest microclimate predicts bill growth in the Adelaide rosella (Aves: Psittaculidae). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2018. [DOI: 10.1093/biolinnean/bly058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliza R Larson
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Justin R Eastwood
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah Micallef
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jacinta Wehbe
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Eastwood JR, Ribot RFH, Rollins LA, Buchanan KL, Walder K, Bennett ATD, Berg ML. Host heterozygosity and genotype rarity affect viral dynamics in an avian subspecies complex. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13310. [PMID: 29042596 PMCID: PMC5645371 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13476-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic diversity at community, population and individual levels is thought to influence the spread of infectious disease. At the individual level, inbreeding and heterozygosity are associated with increased risk of infection and disease severity. Host genotype rarity may also reduce infection risk if pathogens are co-adapted to common or local hosts, but to date, no studies have investigated the relative importance of genotype rarity and heterozygosity for infection in a wild, sexually reproducing vertebrate. With beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) infection in a wild parrot (Platycercus elegans), we show that both heterozygosity and genotype rarity of individual hosts predicted infection, but in contrasting ways. Heterozygosity was negatively associated with probability of infection, but not with infection load. In contrast, increased host genotype rarity was associated with lower viral load in infected individuals, but did not predict infection probability. These effects were largely consistent across subspecies, but were not evident at the population level. Subspecies and age were also strongly associated with infection. Our study provides novel insights into infection dynamics by quantifying rarity and diversity simultaneously. We elucidate roles that host genetic diversity can play in infection dynamics, with implications for understanding population divergence, intraspecific diversity and conservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin R Eastwood
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia. .,School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - Raoul F H Ribot
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lee Ann Rollins
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine L Buchanan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Metabolic Research Unit, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew T D Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathew L Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong, 3216, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Mihailova M, Berg ML, Buchanan KL, Bennett ATD. Olfactory eavesdropping: The odor of feathers is detectable to mammalian predators and competitors. Ethology 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/eth.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Milla Mihailova
- Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Mathew L. Berg
- Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Katherine L. Buchanan
- Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
| | - Andrew T. D. Bennett
- Centre for Integrative Ecology; School of Life and Environmental Sciences; Deakin University; Geelong Vic. Australia
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15
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Eastwood JR, Mulder E, Verhulst S, Peters A. Increasing the accuracy and precision of relative telomere length estimates by RT qPCR. Mol Ecol Resour 2017; 18:68-78. [DOI: 10.1111/1755-0998.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Revised: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellis Mulder
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Simon Verhulst
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Anne Peters
- School of Biological Sciences Monash University Clayton Vic Australia
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16
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Amery-Gale J, Marenda MS, Owens J, Eden PA, Browning GF, Devlin JM. A high prevalence of beak and feather disease virus in non-psittacine Australian birds. J Med Microbiol 2017; 66:1005-1013. [DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.000516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jemima Amery-Gale
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Badger Creek, Victoria 3777, Australia
| | - Marc S. Marenda
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia
| | - Jane Owens
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Paul A. Eden
- Australian Wildlife Health Centre, Healesville Sanctuary, Zoos Victoria, Badger Creek, Victoria 3777, Australia
| | - Glenn F. Browning
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Joanne M. Devlin
- Asia-Pacific Centre for Animal Health, Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia
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17
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Fogell DJ, Martin RO, Groombridge JJ. Beak and feather disease virus in wild and captive parrots: an analysis of geographic and taxonomic distribution and methodological trends. Arch Virol 2016; 161:2059-74. [PMID: 27151279 PMCID: PMC4947100 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-016-2871-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) has emerged in recent years as a major threat to wild parrot populations and is an increasing concern to aviculturists and managers of captive populations. Pathological and serological tests for screening for the presence of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) are a critical component of efforts to manage the disease and of epidemiological studies. Since the disease was first reported in the mid-1970s, screening for BFDV has been conducted in numerous wild and captive populations. However, at present, there is no current and readily accessible synthesis of screening efforts and their results. Here, we consolidate information collected from 83 PBFD- and BFDV-based publications on the primary screening methods being used and identify important knowledge gaps regarding potential global disease hotspots. We present trends in research intensity in this field and critically discuss advances in screening techniques and their applications to both aviculture and to the management of threatened wild populations. Finally, we provide an overview of estimates of BFDV prevalence in captive and wild flocks alongside a complete list of all psittacine species in which the virus has been confirmed. Our evaluation highlights the need for standardised diagnostic tests and more emphasis on studies of wild populations, particularly in view of the intrinsic connection between global trade in companion birds and the spread of novel BFDV strains into wild populations. Increased emphasis should be placed on the screening of captive and wild parrot populations within their countries of origin across the Americas, Africa and Asia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Fogell
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ, UK.
| | - Rowan O Martin
- World Parrot Trust, Glanmor House, Hayle, Cornwall, TR27 4HB, UK.,Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, DST/NRF Centre of Excellence, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jim J Groombridge
- Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, CT2 7NZ, UK
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