RESUMEN
The mortality of birds resulting from collisions and electrocutions with overhead lines, such as power lines and phone lines, among others, has been implicated in the decline of various avian species globally. Specifically, overhead line collisions pose a significant threat to the conservation of the Canarian houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata fuertaventurae), an endangered subspecies endemic to the Canary Islands. This study centers on the postmortem findings of Canarian houbara bustards that have collided with overhead lines, providing insights into the post-collision outcomes for these birds. A complete standardized necropsy of nine Canarian houbara bustards revealed that trauma was the cause of death in all cases. The most notable gross lesions associated with trauma included bone fractures, soft tissue lacerations, hemorrhages, luxations, and hemocoelom. The inguinal area, chest, and wings were the body regions more frequently affected. A histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and entomology analysis confirmed that numerous birds survived the initial trauma. We concluded that when a houbara bustard collides with an overhead line, it frequently survives the initial trauma, with a survival time ranging from minutes to hours. The histopathology, immunohistochemistry, or entomologic analysis may be helpful to approximate the timing interval between trauma and death.
RESUMEN
This study aimed to document the pathological findings observed in a common buzzard (Buteo buteo insularum) from Gran Canaria (Canary Islands, Atlantic Ocean), naturally infected with Buteo buteo herpesvirus (HV). Local authorities found the common buzzard alive, but it died after 10 days of specialized veterinary care. Postmortem investigation, including complete gross and histologic examination, immunohistochemistry, microbiology, and PCR, was performed. The animal presented necrotizing heterophilic and histiocytic bilateral conjunctivitis, stomatitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and sinusitis with secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Frequent eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed in the oral mucosa and esophagus epithelium. HV proteins and DNA were detected in tissues from this animal. The sequences obtained from the PCR product were identical to the reported sequences of Buteo buteo HV.
RESUMEN
Burhinus oedicnemus distinctus is an endemic subspecies of Eurasian Stone-curlew present in the Canary Islands. Their populations are rapidly declining, mainly because of anthropogenic impacts. This report describes valvular endocarditis and septicemia in a Eurasian Stone-Curlew with left foot loss and severe contralateral bumblefoot.