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Postmortem findings in bustards in the United Arab Emirates
T A Bailey1, P K Nicholls, J H Samour
1Veterinary Science Department, National Avian Research Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Avian Diseases
|April 1, 1996
Summary
Postmortem reviews of bustards in the UAE reveal diverse mortality causes. Imported houbara bustards often died from Newcastle disease and parasites, while captive birds succumbed to trauma and capture myopathy.
Area of Science:
- Avian Pathology
- Wildlife Health
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Bustards are vulnerable to various health issues, especially when captive or imported.
- Understanding mortality patterns is crucial for conservation and management of bustard populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze postmortem findings in six bustard species in the UAE from 1979-1994.
- Identify common causes of death in both captive and imported bustards.
Main Methods:
- Review of 236 postmortem examinations.
- Analysis of mortality data across different bustard species, ages, and origins (captive vs. imported).
Main Results:
- Common causes of death in imported adult houbara bustards include Newcastle disease, aspergillosis, and post-transportation issues.
- Captive adult houbara bustards frequently died from trauma and capture myopathy.
- Juvenile bustards commonly suffered from yolk-sac infection, septicemia, nutritional bone disease, and gastrointestinal obstructions.
- Aspergillosis and helminth parasites were significant findings across multiple species and groups.
Conclusions:
- Mortality causes in bustards vary significantly based on species, age, and whether they are captive or imported.
- Disease prevention, stress reduction during transport and handling, and nutritional management are critical for bustard health.