Clade 2.3.4.4b H5Nx high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have caused extensive mortality in wild birds, particularly colonial seabirds, since 2020. Among them, black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) are abundant, synanthropic birds widely distributed across Europe and northern Asia that exploit diverse habitats, raising questions about their role in AIVs ecology. Recent field observations have reported post-HPAI ocular abnormalities in some marine birds, suggesting a potential contribution of the eye to disease expression. However, the nature of these changes, viral tissue distribution and the underlying pathogenesis remain unclear. To address this, 13 black-headed gulls from a cohort of 49 confirmed HPAI cases in France underwent clinico-pathological assessment, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis. Affected birds commonly exhibited emaciation and central neurological signs. Histopathology and immunostaining revealed marked neurotropism and consistent involvement of intraocular structures, including anterior uveitis and retinal degeneration. Viral antigen was detected in neuronal tissue, visceral and integumentary epithelial cells, with no evidence of endotheliotropism. This pattern resembles that reported in domestic ducks and may influence viral diffusion, persistence, intra- and interspecific transmissions. Our results suggest the eye is an underestimated target organ in HPAI infection, and provide new insights into the pathogenesis of HPAI-induced ocular abnormalities in seabirds.

The feral rock pigeon (Columba livia domestica) and wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) are ubiquitous species found in cities worldwide. Its interaction with humans, domestic animals and wild birds makes them potential carriers of transmissible pathogens, including zoonotic parasites. The aim of this study was to identify protozoan parasites belonging to the genera Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. in these two pigeon species hosted at the Wildlife Animal Hospital of the Veterinary School of Alfort, in France. Fecal samples from 367 pigeons (Columba livia and Columba palumbus) including a wide majority of juveniles, were collected and analysed using both direct immunofluorescence and molecular identification techniques, including PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA and the 60 kDa glycoprotein gene of SSU rDNA. Eighty-six and 12 fecal samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia spp. by immunofluorescence, respectively. Young pigeons appeared to be infected by Cryptosporidium spp. more frequently than adults. In addition, wood pigeons seemed to be infected by Giardia spp. more often, while rock pigeons had a higher occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of zoonotic species including C. meleagridis, C. parvum, and G. duodenalis assemblage B. As these species are known to infect humans, pigeons could represent a potential source of zoonotic transmission.

The coding-complete genome sequences of hedgehog coronavirus were retrieved from rectal swabs collected in 2022 and 2023 in France. Information on this virus is crucial to understand the pathogenicity and ecology of this Betacoronavirus.

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), common in rural and suburban environments, is perceived as declining within its native range, prompting conservation concerns. This study of hedgehogs admitted to a French rehabilitation center aimed to identify causes of death, detect potential emerging diseases, and systematically screen dead hedgehogs for toxicants and hemopathogens. Using clinical information, necropsy examination, and ancillary testing in 159 dead hedgehogs, we identified the primary cause of death of 92% of them. The leading causes of death were impaired general condition (30%); bacterial infections (26%), frequently caused by Salmonella Enteritidis; and trauma (20%). Additional factors contributing to death were identified in 78%, including a high proportion with significant parasite infestations. Toxicologic screening revealed that 42% of hedgehogs had been exposed to anticoagulant rodenticides, including 6.4% hedgehogs with levels compatible with acute intoxication. These hedgehogs were also exposed to trace metals, especially lead, but no pesticides residues were detected. Hemopathogen screening revealed a low diversity and prevalence of blood pathogens with 3.6, 2.9, and 2.9% individuals infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Mycoplasma turicensis, and Mycoplasma wenyonii, respectively. The variety of diagnoses suggests that there is no unique prominent or emerging disease responsible for the mortality of these hedgehogs. This study also highlighted the high exposure of hedgehogs to various toxicants. To further investigate the extent and causes of population declines, health information issued from several centers should be combined with demographic data as well as ecologic assessments on the availability and quality of natural resources.

Urbanisation is currently expanding at small and global scales, forcing several species to adapt to this new environment. In this context, we investigated whether the variation in melanin-based colouration observed in European Hedgehogs could reflect adaptation to urbanisation as previously reported in other species. To address this question, we quantified the eumelanin-based colouration of 55 hedgehogs (29 males and 26 females) from photographs taken at a wildlife care centre and correlated this colouration with the level of urbanisation, which was estimated using a geographic information system (GIS) approach. Our results report the existence of a continuous variation in melanin-based colouration in hedgehogs which was negatively correlated with the level of urbanisation. Our correlative results suggest the existence of selection by urban environments on the melanin-based colouration in hedgehogs. The adaptive role of this colouration in urban environments remains to be identified.

Ticks transmit a variety of pathogens that affect both animal and human health, underscoring the importance of understanding diversity and transmission dynamics. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) serves as a host for ticks such as Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes ricinus, potentially playing a role in the enzootic cycle of tick-borne diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hedgehogs as sentinels for monitoring tick-borne pathogens in urban and suburban areas. A total of 251 hedgehogs were involved in the study, conducted between 2019 and 2021, with 144 examined for ticks and 110 undergoing ear biopsies. Using real-time PCR, multiple pathogens were identified among the hedgehogs, including Borrelia afzelii, Rickettsia asembonensis, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Most (96%) ticks collected were I. hexagonus, primarily nymphs and adult females, confirming this species as the main infester of hedgehogs. Carcasses obtained from a wildlife animal hospital provided an accessible source of biological material for this study. The results indicated that hedgehogs could serve as sentinel hosts for the surveillance of Borrelia burgdorferi complex, Rickettsia spp., and A. phagocytophilum in urban and suburban environments. Further research is needed to explore the relationship among hedgehog population densities, tick infestation levels, and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens. Such studies are essential to determine the contribution of hedgehogs to the enzootic transmission cycle of these pathogens and to evaluate the resultant risks to human health.

Aspergillosis is a major health problem in captive penguins due to the inhalation and the development of airborne spores of opportunistic environmental molds of the genus Aspergillus. Diagnosis is often delayed and treatments, based on the use of azole antifungals, are not fully effective. This study assesses the risk of exposure to Aspergillus sp. and determines the environmental reservoirs in the direct environment of a colony of Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in a zoological park in Paris, and the risk of contamination with resistant isolates. Every 15 days between February and May 2022, environmental samples (air and subtract from the nests, pond water, pigeon and penguin droppings) were carried out in the penguin enclosure as well as clinical samples (one-time non-invasive sampling on chicks), and screened for Aspergillus sp. conidia. From 191 environmental samples, 264 strains of Aspergillus including 221 strains of A. fumigatus were isolated, mostly from ambient air, in the nests, and pond water. No "at risk" areas in the penguin environment have been highlighted, nor an increased risk because of the proximity with urban wild birds. However, the load of airborne Aspergillus in the nests increased significantly with outdoor temperature. Of the 221 strains isolated, we identified only one azole-resistant strain, displaying the TR34/L98H mutation in the cyp51A gene. This low prevalence of resistant strains may probably be partly explained by the urban location of the zoological park, surrounded by kilometers of urban areas without agricultural activities.

Wild animals in general, birds in particular, play a key role in transporting ticks and propagating tick-borne pathogens. Several studies have confirmed the infection of birds with Anaplasma phagocytophilum, with overall prevalence varying widely from country to country and/or study to study. This zoonotic bacterium, transmitted mainly by ticks of the genus Ixodes, is responsible for granulocytic anaplasmosis in humans (HGA) and domestic animals (cats, dogs, horses). The disease is also called tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants. Extremely rare in the USA, TBF is very common in Europe, where it causes economic losses in livestock. Conversely, HGA is well established in the USA whereas only a few less severe cases have been observed in Europe. Current typing techniques support the existence of multiple variants with differences in virulence/pathogenicity and tropism for certain tick and host species. However, epidemiological cycles remain difficult to characterize in Europe. Several studies describe a cycle apparently involving only birds in Europe, but no such study has been conducted in mainland France. Our objectives were to search for A. phagocytophilum in passerine birds in the Ile-de-France region and to explore their diversity using groEL and ankA gene typing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Various tissues (spleen, liver, and skin) were collected from cadavers of 680 passerines between March and December 2021. The presence of A. phagocytophilum was detected by qPCR Taqman targeting the msp2 gene. Three blackbirds (Turdus merula) were found positive, representing detection rates of 0.4 % in all birds tested and 3.3 % in blackbirds. The higher frequency of detection in blackbirds could be at least partially explained by their lifestyle, as they feed on the ground. Analysis of the results of groEL and ankA typing and MLST from positive blackbirds support the hypothesis that the avian A. phagocytophilum strains in Ile-de-France are distinct from those found in mammals, and that they form their own cluster in Europe.

Urbanized environments may be suitable for some wild species, like the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus). However, the (sub)urban areas are source of several pollutants, such as trace elements (TEs). The main objective of our study is to investigate the role of the European hedgehog as a potential bioindicator species for seven TEs (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in a big urban agglomeration. We analyzed the kidney, liver and spines of 50 European hedgehogs. Moreover, we carried out geographic information system (GIS) with 31 individuals to examine the effects of human pressure (human density and urbanization) on TE concentrations in tissues. We detected the 7 TEs in all tissues. Trace elements, especially Pb and Zn, in the liver, kidney and spines seem to be influenced by human density and urbanization.

ABSTR ACTextracellular matrix (collagen, carbohydrate molecules) confirming the metabolic activity of the spheroids. Conclusions:Our methodological approach succeeded in forming organoids containing all main cell types in the stromal vascular fraction of adipose tissue.This investigation is a promising step in establishing a suitable in vitro model for studies of human adipose tissue changes concerning cardiovascular disease pathogenesis and drug treatment.

decrease the development and spread of AMR from broiler farms.

OBJECTIVETo determine the plasma concentration of meloxicam delivered via an osmotic pump in pigeons undergoing orthopedic surgery and if an osmotic pump is a suitable alternative to repeated oral administration of this drug.ANIMALS16 free-ranging pigeons presented for rehabilitation with a wing fracture.PROCEDURESAn osmotic pump filled with 0.2 mL of 40 mg/mL meloxicam injectable solution was implanted subcutaneously in the inguinal fold of 9 pigeons under anesthesia for orthopedic surgery. The pumps were removed 7 days postsurgery. Blood samples were collected before pump implantation (time 0) and 3, 24, 72, and 168 hours after pump implantation in 2 pigeons in a pilot study then at 12, 24, 72, and 144 hours in the 7 pigeons of the main study. The blood of 7 other pigeons receiving meloxicam at 2 mg/kg, PO, every 12 hours was also sampled between 2 to 6 hours after the last meloxicam administration. Plasma meloxicam concentrations were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography.RESULTSThe plasma concentration of meloxicam was maintained at significant levels from 12 hours to 6 days after osmotic pump implantation. Median and minimum plasma concentrations in implanted pigeons were maintained at the same or higher level than those measured in pigeons that received meloxicam at a dose known to be analgesic in this species. No adverse effects attributable to either osmotic pump implantation and removal or meloxicam delivery were observed in this study.CLINICAL RELEVANCEPlasma concentrations levels of meloxicam in pigeons implanted with osmotic pumps were maintained at a similar concentration or higher than the suggested analgesic meloxicam plasma concentration in this species. Thus, osmotic pumps could represent a suitable alternative to the frequent capture and handling of birds for analgesic drug administration.

Mycoses represent a significant threat to avian health, with potential implications at the human-animal-environment interface. Birds have a unique susceptibility to mycoses due to distinctive anatomical, physiological, and immunological traits, particularly within the respiratory system, which favour fungal colonization and subsequent infection. This article provides a comprehensive overview of avian mycoses, encompassing predisposing host factors, major deep and superficial fungal infections, diagnostic approaches, treatment challenges, and preventive strategies. Aspergillosis remains the most prevalent and clinically relevant mycosis in birds, affecting poultry, captive wildlife, and free-ranging species, while other fungal diseases, including candidiasis, macrorhabdosis, cryptococcosis, hyalo- or phaeo-hyphomycoses are reported less frequently but may cause severe disease under specific conditions. In addition to their role as susceptible hosts, birds can act as reservoirs and long-distance disseminators of pathogenic fungi, including azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, Cryptococcus yeasts, and emerging pathogens such as Candida (Candidozyma) auris. Migratory behaviour, environmental contamination via droppings, and climate-driven ecological changes further amplify the relevance of avian mycoses within a One Health framework.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is one of the three species in the family Myrmecophagidae of the suborder Vermilingua. It is the only species of the genus Myrmecophaga. The species, subject to increasing threats in its natural environment, is classified as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. European zoos are involved in the ex situ conservation of the giant anteater, which is essential for its long-term viability. However, the diseases encountered by European captive populations of giant anteaters are not well documented, and best practice guidelines are not yet available for the species. An online two-part survey was conducted among European institutions hosting or having housed anteaters over a 20-yr period concerning the current management of captive populations and the diseases encountered. Medical data were collected from 99 giant anteaters from 30 institutions. Among the study population, 4% of the individuals were born in the wild and 96% were born in captivity. Seventy animals (71%) were still alive at the time of data collection, with an average age of 8 yr. A predominance of digestive (20%), dermatologic (20%)-with mainly wounds-and internal parasitism (18%) disorders was observed, followed by behavioral (13%), musculoskeletal (12%), respiratory (11%), nutritional (10%), and ocular (9%) disorders. Mortality mainly concerns the most extreme age categories: very young individuals, mostly secondary to trauma, and older individuals with no main cause identified. This paper details all the medical conditions reported in the European captive giant anteaters included in the study. It allows us to formulate some medical and zootechnical recommendations for the species management and to envisage new research perspectives.

Ophthalmic examination is essential in the avian triage process in order to apply prompt therapeutic plans and evaluate rehabilitation potential. Fundoscopy is traditionally performed by direct or indirect ophthalmoscopy. Recent technological developments have enabled the design of a small-sized and affordable retinal imaging system to examine the fundus. We investigate the use of a smartphone-based device to realize fundus examination through a prospective cross-sectional observational study. Seventy-seven eyes of 39 birds of 15 different species were evaluated using the smartphone-based device in a rescue wildlife center. Pupil dilation was achieved prior to examination via rocuronium topical application. Assessment of fundus by the smartphone was classified as satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, and unsatisfactory. Fundus examination was also performed with a 20D, 30D, or 78D lens for comparison. Pupillary dilation was satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, or absent in 17, 32, and 28 eyes, respectively. Fundus examination with the smartphone-based device was satisfactory, moderately satisfactory, or unsatisfactory in 44, 15, and 18 eyes, respectively. The feasibility of the fundus examination was affected by the form of the globe; by the quality of pupil dilation; by the color of the iris (images could not be obtained from species with an orange, bright iris); and by the species, with owls (Strigiformes) being the easiest to observe. Based on these findings, fundus examination was feasible in most bird species examined in this study.