scholarly journals Blackbirds and Song Thrushes Constitute a Key Reservoir of Borrelia garinii, the Causative Agent of Borreliosis in Central Europe

2007 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 1289-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronika Taragel'ová ◽  
Juraj Koči ◽  
Klára Hanincová ◽  
Klaus Kurtenbach ◽  
Markéta Derdáková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Infected Tick ◽  
Borrelia Garinii ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
Key Players

ABSTRACT Blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) were found to carry 95% of all spirochete-infected tick larvae among 40 bird species captured in Central Europe. More than 90% of the infections were typed as Borrelia garinii and Borrelia valaisiana. We conclude that thrushes are key players in the maintenance of these spirochete species in this region of Central Europe.

Focal bird species and risk assessment approach for nonagricultural grassland scenarios in Central Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (9) ◽  
pp. 2055-2061 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jens Schabacker ◽  
Jochen Gerlach ◽  
Marcel Münderle ◽  
Christian Dietzen ◽  
Jan-Dieter Ludwigs
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Assessment Approach

scholarly journals Haemosporidioses in wild Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos): an in situ hybridization study with emphasis on exo-erythrocytic parasite burden

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Himmel ◽  
Josef Harl ◽  
Simone Pfanner ◽  
Nora Nedorost ◽  
Norbert Nowotny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Turdus Merula

Abstract Background Passerine birds are frequently infected with diverse haemosporidian parasites. While infections are traditionally considered benign in wild birds, recent studies demonstrated mortalities of passerine species due to exo-erythrocytic development of the parasites, which can damage organs in affected hosts. However, exo-erythrocytic development remains insufficiently investigated for most haemosporidian species and thus little is known about the virulence of tissue stages in wild passerine birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural haemosporidian infections in deceased Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos) and to determine parasite burden and associated histological effects.Methods For molecular analysis, blood and tissue samples from 306 thrushes were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR. For the detection of parasite stages in organ samples, tissue sections were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization using genus- and species-specific probes targeting the rRNAs of parasites. Exo-erythrocytic parasite load was semi-quantitatively assessed and histological lesions were evaluated in haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections.Results 179 of 277 Eurasian blackbirds and 15 of 29 song thrushes were positive for haemosporidians. Parasites of all three genera were detected, with Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and P. vaughani SYAT05 showing the highest prevalences. CISH revealed significant differences in exo-erythrocytic parasite burden between lineages in Eurasian blackbirds, with P. matutinum LINN1 frequently causing high parasite loads in various organs that were associated with histological alterations. Song thrushes infected with P. matutinum LINN1 and birds infected with other haemosporidian lineages showed mostly low parasite burdens. Two Eurasian blackbirds infected with Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 showed megalomeronts in various organs that were associated with inflammatory reactions and necroses.Conclusion This study suggests that P. matutinum LINN1, a common lineage among native thrushes, regularly causes high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in Eurasian blackbirds, which may result in disease and mortalities, indicating its high pathogenic potential. The findings further illustrate that the same parasite lineage may show different levels of virulence in related bird species which should be considered when assessing the pathogenicity of haemosporidian parasite species. Finally, the study provides evidence of virulent Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 infections in two Eurasian blackbirds caused by megalomeront formation.

Haemosporidioses in wild Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (T. philomelos): an in situ hybridization study with emphasis on exo-erythrocytic parasite burden

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Himmel ◽  
Josef Harl ◽  
Simone Pfanner ◽  
Nora Nedorost ◽  
Norbert Nowotny ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Situ Hybridization ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Parasite Burden ◽  
Passerine Birds ◽  
Haemosporidian Parasite ◽  
Pathogenic Potential ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Turdus Merula

Abstract Background Passerine birds are frequently infected with diverse haemosporidian parasites. While infections are traditionally considered benign in wild birds, recent studies demonstrated mortalities of passerine species due to exo-erythrocytic development of the parasites, which can damage organs in affected hosts. However, exo-erythrocytic development remains insufficiently investigated for most haemosporidian species and thus little is known about the virulence of tissue stages in wild passerine birds. The aim of the present study was to investigate natural haemosporidian infections in deceased Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) and song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) and to determine parasite burden and associated histological effects. Methods For molecular analysis, blood and tissue samples from 306 thrushes were screened for Plasmodium, Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon parasites by nested PCR. For the detection of parasite stages in organ samples, tissue sections were subjected to chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH) using genus- and species-specific probes targeting the rRNAs of parasites. Exo-erythrocytic parasite load was semi-quantitatively assessed and histological lesions were evaluated in haematoxylin-eosin-stained sections. Results By PCR, 179 of 277 Eurasian blackbirds and 15 of 29 song thrushes were positive for haemosporidians. Parasites of all three genera were detected, with Plasmodium matutinum LINN1 and Plasmodium vaughani SYAT05 showing the highest prevalence. CISH revealed significant differences in exo-erythrocytic parasite burden between lineages in Eurasian blackbirds, with P. matutinum LINN1 frequently causing high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in various organs that were associated with histological alterations. Song thrushes infected with P. matutinum LINN1 and birds infected with other haemosporidian lineages showed mostly low exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens. Two Eurasian blackbirds infected with Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 showed megalomeronts in various organs that were associated with inflammatory reactions and necroses. Conclusion This study suggests that P. matutinum LINN1, a common lineage among native thrushes, regularly causes high exo-erythrocytic parasite burdens in Eurasian blackbirds, which may result in disease and mortalities, indicating its high pathogenic potential. The findings further illustrate that the same parasite lineage may show different levels of virulence in related bird species which should be considered when assessing the pathogenicity of haemosporidian parasite species. Finally, the study provides evidence of virulent Leucocytozoon sp. TUMER01 infections in two Eurasian blackbirds caused by megalomeront formation.

Diurnal cycle of Isospora spp. oocyst shedding in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula)

2004 ◽  
Vol 82 (5) ◽  
pp. 764-768 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Misof
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Diurnal Cycle ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
Coccidian Oocyst ◽  
Diurnal Fluctuations ◽  
Evolutionary Aspects ◽  
Practical Implications

Diurnal fluctuations in the appearance of parasites have been recognized for more than 60 years but have been largely ignored in studies examining the role of parasites in connection with evolutionary aspects of behaviour, ecology, and population dynamics. The disregard of diurnal fluctuations, however, can influence the reliability and interpretation of data. I examined shedding of Isospora spp. oocysts in faeces of naturally infected, free-living Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula L., 1758). Adult birds and nestlings shed coccidian oocysts (Isospora spp.) predominantly in the afternoon. The results are in agreement with earlier studies on coccidian oocyst shedding in other bird species. They are discussed with regard to these studies and to practical implications for future investigators in this field.

scholarly journals Evaluation of the applicability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to sex identification in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula)

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej Dybus ◽  
Anna Siemierz ◽  
Dariusz Wysocki ◽  
Iwona Szatkowska ◽  
Magdalena Muszyńska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Polymerase Chain Reaction ◽  
Gene Polymorphism ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Sex Identification ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
Polymerase Chain

Evaluation of the applicability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to sex identification in Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula)Turdus merulais one of most common bird species in Europe. This study verified a method for its sex identification by PCR with P2/P8 primers, based on theCHD1gene polymorphism, proposed in earlier studies as a universal tool for sex identification in most bird species. Although there are some reports that PCR cannot determine sex in Eurasian blackbirds due to a lack of differences in intron lengths ofCHD1-ZandCHD1-Wgenes, our study showed that such a possibility does exist, so it can contribute to an increased understanding of the biology of this species.

scholarly journals Vineyards, but not cities, are associated with lower presence of a generalist bird, the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), in Western France

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bertille Mohring ◽  
François Brischoux ◽  
Frédéric Angelier
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Fine Scale ◽  
Generalist Species ◽  
Landscape Characteristics ◽  
Turdus Merula ◽  
The Common ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Common Blackbird

Abstract Background Land-use change is one of the main drivers of the global erosion of biodiversity. In that context, it is crucial to understand how landscape characteristics drive the presence of rare endangered species. Nevertheless, it is also important to study common species in multiple habitats, because they represent a large proportion of biodiversity and are essential to maintain ecological functions. Interestingly, some habitats, as farmlands with permanent crops (e.g. vineyards), have been overlooked in the literature. Methods In this study, we investigated the distribution of a widespread and common bird species, the Common Blackbird (Turdus merula), within and between the three main habitats of our study area (rural Western France). We specifically focused on (1) woodlands, (2) farmlands with a high vineyard coverage, and (3) moderately urbanized areas. Specifically, we aimed to assess the beneficial and detrimental effects of these habitats and their fine-scale composition on the presence of a common bird species, relying on a survey by point counts (nearly 100 locations). We studied the effects of habitats and gradients of fine-scale habitat composition on blackbird presence using logistic regression analyses. Results Blackbirds were present in all studied habitats. However, their presence varied between habitats, being lower in vineyards than in woodlands and cities. In woodlands and cities, fine-scale analyses did not reveal any component driving the species’ presence. However, we found that shrub and tree vegetation cover had a significant positive effect on blackbird presence in vineyards. Conclusions Our results are in agreement with the definition of a generalist species. Interestingly, species distribution varied between habitats. The high presence of blackbirds in urban areas suggests that medium-sized cities, despite their artificialization, do not constrain the settlement of this former forest specialist and that green spaces may allow blackbirds to thrive in medium-sized cities. On the contrary, we found an impoverished presence of blackbirds in vineyards and a positive effect of vegetation on their presence in these landscapes. This suggests that permanent crops, and more generally farmlands, may impose important constraints to common species. Future studies should examine how to enhance biodiversity through agricultural management policies, especially in vineyards.

scholarly journals Impacts of landscape-scale windthrow and subsequent, variable reforestation on bird communities in Central Europe

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johannes Kamp ◽  
Johanna Trappe ◽  
Luca Dübbers ◽  
Stephanie Funke
Keyword(s):  
Norway Spruce ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Secondary Succession ◽  
Forest Disturbance ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
European Beech ◽  
Bird Communities ◽  
Long Distance

AbstractWith climate change, the area affected by and the intensity of forest disturbances such as windthrow, insect outbreaks and fire will be increasing. Post-disturbance forest management will be varied, and it is difficult to predict how much natural succession will be allowed in comparison to reforestation. Both, disturbance and reforestation will affect forest biodiversity globally, but potential shifts in species distribution, abundance and community composition are poorly understood.We studied the response of breeding bird communities to windthrow and different reforestation strategies in one of Central Europe’s largest contiguous windthrow areas created by storm Kyrill in 2007. A decade after the disturbance, we compared bird species diversity, population densities and community composition on plots in replanted beech, replanted conifers and secondary succession (all salvage-logged after the storm), with undisturbed old Norway spruce Picea abies as a control, in the setting of a natural experiment.Of the stands blown down, 95% were Norway Spruce. Reforestation strategies varied, with Spruce and non-native conifers planted on twice the area that was replanted with European Beech Fagus sylvestris. Large areas were still dominated by successional tree species a decade after the storm, especially birch, mirroring recommendations of sub-national forestry agencies to include secondary succession in future forest development. Birds responded strongly to windthrow, with a pronounced community turnover. Species associated with high conifer stands reached significantly lower densities on sample plots in disturbed areas. Replanted areas were characterized by mostly ubiquitous bird species. Areas dominated by secondary succession, especially birch Betula spp., were characterized by high densities of long-distance migrants (often species of conservation concern) and shrubland species, among them several indicator species.Our results suggest that an increase of forest disturbance across Central Europe will lead to a pronounced reorganisation of biodiversity. Strategies that allow more secondary succession, and avoid replanting allochthonous tree species are likely to benefit populations of depleted bird species, even at salvage-logged and cleared disturbance sites.

Has the mystery of brown trout deaths been solved?

2018 ◽  
Vol 183 (22) ◽  
pp. 676-677
Keyword(s):  
Central Europe ◽  
Brown Trout ◽  
Causative Agent

Every year, brown trout die in rivers in central Europe. But now, researchers think they have found the causative agent. Georgina Mills reports

Occurrence of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes from the Carpathian regions of Slovakia and Poland

2006 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarína Reiterová ◽  
Ewa Dziemian ◽  
Martina Miterpáková ◽  
Daniela Antolová ◽  
Marta Kołodziej-Sobocińska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Intestine ◽  
Central Europe ◽  
Causative Agent ◽  
Echinococcus Multilocularis ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Worm Burden ◽  
Alveolar Echinococcosis ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Border Regions ◽  
Faecal Samples

AbstractThe extensive distribution of Echinococcus multilocularis cestode from endemic alpine areas to the parts of Central Europe has been recorded in recent years. The first confirmed finding of E. multilocularis in Slovakia was recorded in 1999 in the area adjacent to the Polish border. At present, this serious zoonosis occurs almost across the whole territory of Slovakia. The occurrence of these tapeworms in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) at the border regions of Slovakia and Poland has been monitored. In these districts, out of 152 faecal samples examined, 36.2% were positive for the coproantigen-ELISA. With the sedimentation and counting technique the prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was up to 38.8%. The examination of foxes from neighbouring districts revealed worm burden ranging from 1–15,000 specimens, but the majority of animals harboured medium number of tapeworms. In the Small Carpathian and Sub-Carpathian regions of Poland, out of 65 samples examined, 13.8% were coproantigen positive. Using the small intestine scraping method only 6.1% prevalence of E. multilocularis in red foxes was determined, mostly with a high worm burdens over 1,000 specimens. The results suggest possible transborder transmission of E. multilocularis, the causative agent of serious alveolar echinococcosis.

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