Avian pox in birds from Trinidad

Area of Science:

• Ornithology
• Veterinary Pathology
• Wildlife Disease Ecology

Background:

• Avian pox is a viral disease affecting birds worldwide.
• Understanding disease prevalence and transmission is crucial for conservation efforts.
• Manakins exhibit complex courtship rituals that may influence disease spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of avian pox in Trinidadian bird populations.
• To identify bird species affected by avian pox.
• To explore potential factors contributing to avian pox outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Field surveys and sample collection over a 7-year period.
• Examination of 9,514 birds for avian pox.
• Species identification and infection rate calculation.

Main Results:

• Four bird species were found infected with avian pox.
• Golden-headed manakin (Pipra erythrocephala) had a 7% infection rate.
• White-bearded manakin (Manacus manacus) had a 5% infection rate.
• Violaceous euphonia (Euphonia violacea) and bare-eyed thrush (Turdus nudigenis) showed lower infection rates (<1%).

Conclusions:

• Avian pox affects multiple bird species in Trinidad, with manakins being particularly susceptible.
• Courtship displays in manakins may facilitate "common source" infection.
• The 1964 outbreak suggests potential introduction of the virus by migratory birds.