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Central nervous system toxoplasmosis in Roller canaries
D S Lindsay1, R B Gasser, K E Harrigan
1Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, Alabama 36849-5519, USA.
Avian Diseases
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Toxoplasma gondii caused fatal neurological and ocular disease in Roller canaries. Prompt treatment with trimethoprim and sulfadiazine prevented further deaths in this avian flock.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Avian Pathology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Roller canaries (Serinus canaria) are popular songbirds kept in aviaries.
- Central nervous system (CNS) disease can affect avian populations, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.
- Parasitic infections are a potential cause of neurological disorders in birds.
Observation:
- A flock of 40 Roller canaries in Victoria, Australia, exhibited CNS signs including blindness, nystagmus, ataxia, and head rotation.
- Four birds died naturally, and four were euthanatized due to severe clinical signs.
- Affected birds displayed bilateral ophthalmitis and brain lesions consistent with nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis.
Findings:
- Microscopic examination of two euthanatized birds revealed Toxoplasma gondii tissue cysts in the brain.
- Brain lesions included nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis, perivascular cuffs, and vascular changes.
- Ocular lesions were characterized by severe plasmacytic/granulomatous ophthalmitis.
Implications:
- Toxoplasma gondii infection should be considered in avian neurological and ophthalmological cases.
- Antimicrobial therapy, such as trimethoprim and sulfadiazine, can be effective in treating toxoplasmosis in canaries.
- This case highlights the potential impact of Toxoplasma gondii on captive bird populations.