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Journal of the South African Veterinary Association

versão On-line ISSN 2224-9435
versão impressa ISSN 1019-9128

J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. vol.79 no.3 Pretoria  2008

 

CLINICAL COMMUNICATION KLINIESE MEDEDELING

 

An outbreak of toxoplasmosis in an aviary collection of Nicobar pigeons (Caloenas nicobaria)

 

 

R D LastI; H L ShivaprasadII

IVetdiagnostix - Veterinary Pathology Services, P.O. Box 13624, Cascades, 3202, South Africa
IICalifornia Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System, Fresno Branch, University of California, Davis, 2789 South Orange Avenue, Fresno, CA 93725, USA

 

 


ABSTRACT

Three out of 10 Nicobar pigeons (Caloenas nicobaria) in an aviary collection in South Africa were found dead with no presenting clinical symptoms. Histological examination of formalin-fixed tissues from all these birds revealed necrotic foci in various visceral organs (liver, spleen, heart, kidney and lungs), plus diffuse pulmonary congestion and oedema with vasculitis. Numerous protozoal tachyzoites were present in all organs and there was strong positive immunohistochemical (IHC) labelling of these organisms for Toxoplasma gondii. Pathology was consistent with acute systemic toxoplasmosis as a consequence of oocyst ingestion. Feral cats were known to be a problem at the facility. Clinical toxoplasmosis is rarely reported in pigeons and this is believed to be the 1st report of toxoplasmosis in Nicobar pigeons.

Key words: aviary, Caloenas nicobaria, Nicobar pigeons, toxoplasmosis


 

 

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Received: June 2008
Accepted: August 2008

 

 

* Author for correspondence. E-mail: vetdiagnostix@futurenet.co.za

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