Apparent lack of evidence on selected infectious agents in wild Yellow-naped Amazon parrots: implications for releasing attempts

Abstract

Blood and feather samples, as well as oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs, were collected from nine free-ranging Amazona auropalliata between January and May 2009 in two highly modified landscapes in northern Costa Rica. Samples were tested for avian circovirus, avian polyomavirus, avian influenza, Chlamydophila psittaci, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, and Rickettsia spp. All samples were negative. Results are discussed in terms of implications of using captive birds for reintroduction attempts into wild populations in Costa Rica.Muestras de sangre, plumas, hisopados orofaríngeos y cloacales fueron obtenidos de nueve Amazona auropalliata de vida libre entre enero y mayo de 2009 en dos paisajes muy modificados en el norte de Costa Rica. Estas fueron analizadas para circovirus aviar, poliomavirus aviar, influenza aviar, Chlamydophila psittaci, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato y Rickettsia spp. Todas fueron negativas. Los resultados se discuten en términos de las implicaciones de los programas de reintroducción en las poblaciones silvestres.