Browsing by Subject "Pigeon"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Electron microscopic studies of ion- and H20-transporting epithelial cells in the horizontal ampulla of the pigeon
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 2001) Villegas, H.; Merker, H. J.; Helling, K.; Clarke, A.H.; Scherer, H.
    Earlier morphological studies of the epithelial structure in the semicircular canals of mammals have focused on the sensory cells of the crista ampullaris. This report draws attention to the fact that there exist at least seven further cell types in the horizontal ampulla walls of pigeon with various functions; the role of ion- and H20-transporting epithelial cells is dealt with here in detail. While the dark cells appear to play a decisive role in the regulation of ionic composition, the cells in the planum semilunatum may transport H20 and assist in the regulation of endolymph volume. In addition, protein-secreting structures are located in the apical region of the cells of the planum semilunatum. The question whether the proteins are dispersed in the endolymph or contribute to cupula formation remains unclear. The morphology and possible functions of these two cell types are discussed on the basis of electron microscopic results.
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    Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium Subsp. paratuberculosis in feral pigeons (Columba livia) associated with difficulties controlling Paratuberculosis in a bovine herd (Fighting Bull Breed)
    (MDPI, 2022-11-27) Sanes, J. Manuel; Mas, Alberto; Ramis, Guillermo; Párraga Ros, Ester; Sánchez Campillo, Joaquín; Seva Alcaraz, Juan; Anatomía y Anatomía Patológica Comparadas
    A bovine herd with a high prevalence of paratuberculosis (PTB) cohabiting with a population of pigeons was studied (2011–2020). After finding the disease in 2011, annual monitoring was performed in 2012–2014 by obtaining blood samples for ELISA and intradermal tuberculinization (IT) tests for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Positive animals were eliminated. PTB prevalence dropped from 10% to 0% but returned to similar values (9.5%) after 6 years without tests. In all animals, Ac values according to the optical density (OD) determined by ELISA increased each year and could be used to isolate herds close to the cutoff point to improve PTB control. Possible reservoirs were considered after evaluating the little success of the PTB control program, and the population of feral pigeons was studied. Specifically, 10% of the pigeon population (n = 13) was necropsied. Samples of intestine, feces, and foot skin for PCR study for MAP and samples of terminal intestine for histopathological analysis were taken. Eleven pigeons were PCR-positive against MAP, in the intestine (10/11), foot skin (3/11), and feces (1/11). The presence of MAP in pigeon feet could demonstrate its role as a mechanical disseminator of PTB, while the presence in pigeon intestine and feces could also suggest its role as a reservoir.
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    Tetrameriosis in feral pigeons from Murcia, Southeastern Spain
    (Elsevier, 2009-08) Martínez-Carrasco Pleite, Carlos; Ruiz de Ybáñez Carnero, María del Rocío; Espigares, David; Tizzani, Paolo; Alonso, Francisco D.; Martínez Cáceres, Carlos Manuel; Sanidad Animal
    A total of 165 adult feral pigeons (Columba livia) were captured in 7 different parks of the municipality of Murcia, Southeastern Spain. Birds were evaluated clinically and subsequently necropsied. All birds appeared to be in good physical condition and no apparent signs of disease were observed. However, 17.6% of the pigeons were parasitized by Tetrameres (Petrowimeres) fissispina. The nematode burden in the proventriculus ranges from 5 to 64 specimens (median: 19); the median of female and male nematodes was 17 (range: 4–54) and 3 (range: 0–12), respectively. Despite the absence of detectable signs of disease, lesions induced by T. (P.) fissispina were evident. The histopathologic analysis revealed a pressure atrophy of the proventricular glands and a light inflammatory infiltrate surrounding the papillae. Pigeons captured in parks with soil had significantly higher T. (P.) fissispina prevalence compared with those captured in paved areas.