Causes of death in captive Psittaciformes in the Jaboticabal region, Brazil (2014-2024)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24070/bjvp.1983-0246.018015Keywords:
parrots, necropsy, preventive medicineAbstract
The necropsy of pet birds is an important tool for determining the cause of death and for identifying potential zoonotic or non-zoonotic etiological agents related to fatality. This retrospective study (2014 to 2024) aims to identify the main causes of death in Psittaciformes kept under human care in the Jaboticabal/SP region, Brazil. A total of 146 necropsy cases and histopathological analyses archived at the Wildlife Pathology Service of São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal campus, were examined. The most prevalently analyzed species included Amazona aestiva, Nymphicus hollandicus, and Ara ararauna, with a higher prevalence of adult birds and those from household environments. Causes of death were classified into infectious and non-infectious processes. Metabolic conditions, such as atherosclerosis, were the leading cause of death (14.3%), followed by trauma and poisonings. Among infectious causes, parasites of the genus Paratanaisia, as well as bacterial and fungal infections, were prominent. Difficulties in isolating infectious agents and carcass autolysis limited some diagnoses. The study reinforces the importance of necropsy as a diagnostic tool and highlights the need for preventive management practices tailored to birds in households, breeding facilities, and zoos. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring pre-mortem factors and implementing targetd preventive medicine strategies to improve the well-being and longevity of captive Psittaciformes.
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