Toxoplasma gondii Exposure Prevalence in Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii).
Autor: | Taylor HS; Diagnostic and Surveillance Services, Biosecurity New Zealand, Ministry for Primary Industries, 66 Ward Street, Upper Hutt 5140, New Zealand., Howe L; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.; Wildbase, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand., Bolwell CF; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand., Morgan KJ; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand.; Wildbase, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand., Lenting B; Readiness and Response Services, Ministry for Primary Industries, 34-38 Bowen Street, Wellington 6140, New Zealand., McInnes K; Department of Conservation, Conservation House, PO Box 10420, Wellington 6143, New Zealand. |
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Jazyk: | angličtina |
Zdroj: | Journal of wildlife diseases [J Wildl Dis] 2023 Jan 01; Vol. 59 (1), pp. 172-175. |
DOI: | 10.7589/JWD-D-22-00046 |
Abstrakt: | Toxoplasma gondii has been reported as a cause of morbidity and mortality in New Zealand's native avifauna, including the ground-dwelling Kiwi (Apteryx spp.). To better understand the extent of T. gondii infection in Little Spotted Kiwi (Apteryx owenii), a prevalence survey of kiwi living inside a 200-ha predator-proof mainland ecosanctuary (Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Wellington, New Zealand) was undertaken. Antibodies to T. gondii were detected by a latex agglutination test (LAT) with a cutoff positive titer of ≥1:64, and T. gondii DNA was detected by PCR. In total, 16/19 (84.2%) birds tested were positive for T. gondii by LAT (10/11), PCR (10/19), or both (4/11). Antibody titers ranged from 1:32 to ≥1:2,048. These results suggest widespread exposure of T. gondii in this population of Little Spotted Kiwi and, in conjunction with earlier reports of toxoplasmosis causing mortality in kiwi, raise important questions as to the effect this parasite may be having on this rare endemic species. Further information on the epidemiology of T. gondii infections within free-living and managed kiwi populations is urgently needed. (© Wildlife Disease Association 2023.) |
Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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