Infrared beak trimming provides an alternative to conventional trimming, purporting to provide a welfare-friendly means of trimming. The infrared system can be adjusted to use multiple plate and power settings. In the present study, we used 2 different plate sizes (27/23C, less severe; 25/23C, more severe) with each of 3 power settings: high (52), moderate (48), and low (44). These birds, along...

Pathologic feather picking in companion avian species has been attributed to multiple underlying disorders, and many of these birds are thought to be pruritic. Allergies have been discussed as possible contributors to this common and devastating dermatologic disease. This article reviews published information and research currently being conducted on hypersensitivity disorders in avian species....

The assembly and regulation of viral capsid proteins into highly ordered macromolecular complexes is essential for viral replication. Here, we utilize crystal structures of the capsid protein from the smallest and simplest known viruses capable of autonomously replicating in animal cells, circoviruses, to establish structural and mechanistic insights into capsid morphogenesis and regulation. Th...

South America presents the greatest Psittacidae diversity in world, but also has highest numbers of threatened parrot species. Recently, exotic viruses have been detected captive native psittacine birds Brazil, however, their impacts on health wild parrots are still unknown. We evaluated presence Chlamydia psittaci, Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 1 (PsHV-1), avipoxvirus and beak feather disease vir...