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Updated: May 24, 2026

Procedures for Identifying Infectious Prions After Passage Through the Digestive System of an Avian Species
Published on: November 6, 2013
Clostridium piliforme encephalitis in a weaver bird (Ploceus castaneiceps)
Asli Mete1, Andrea Eigenheer, Andrea Goodnight
1California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory, University of California Davis, CA 95616, USA. amete@ucdavis.edu
A juvenile Taveta golden weaver bird experienced sudden neurological signs and was diagnosed with Clostridium piliforme infection. This bacterial infection caused brain microabscesses and neurological symptoms in the bird.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Avian Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neurological disorders in zoo birds can be challenging to diagnose and treat.
- Taveta golden weavers (Ploceus castaneiceps) are susceptible to various infectious agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative agent of sudden neurological signs in a juvenile Taveta golden weaver.
- To document the pathological findings associated with the infection.
Main Methods:
- Necropsy and histopathological examination of the brain and other organs.
- Bacterial identification using Gram staining, Warthin-Starry staining, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- Histopathology revealed multifocal cerebral microabscesses and neuronal damage.
- Gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria with characteristic "hay stacking" morphology were identified.
- Real-time PCR confirmed the presence of Clostridium piliforme in brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- Clostridium piliforme infection caused fatal neurological disease in a juvenile Taveta golden weaver.
- The study highlights the importance of considering Clostridium piliforme in avian neurological cases.
- Further research may be needed to understand the prevalence and transmission of this pathogen in aviary settings.
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