Spreading of Macrorhabdus Ornithogaster in Ornamental Bird Aviaries in Piedmont

Avian gastric yeast (AGY) Macrorhabdus ornithogaster, has a worldwide distribution and currently colonize the proventriculus and ventriculus of a wide of bird species (PHALEN, 2014), representing a potential threat to bird breeders. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of AGY in breeding ornamental birds, rearing in Piedmont. The study was conducted in 15 breeding centers of ornamental birds and on birds from 3 private owners. Pool of fecal samples were examined by microscopic test for the presence of yeast. Level of shedding of AGY was evaluated using a semi-quantitative scale (LANZAROT et al., 2013). On some dead animals was performed histological examination. The presence of AGY was observed in 12 of the 18 farms (67%): 61% in commercial farms and 50% in private ones. The prevalence was 61%, in farms with 1 species, while in multispecies farms the prevalence was 44%. A high number of fecal parasitic and fungal co-infections (62%) was observed. From dead animals, the histological exam confirmed AGY infection. The study confirms that M. ornithogaster is widespread: 2/3 of farms and more than half of the sampled cages harbored AGY. Moreover, the parasitic and fungal co-infections do not seem to influence the risk of infection for AGY (P=0.759).