Detecção molecular do vírus da doença do bico e das penas dos psitacídeos e Chlamydia psittaci em aves silvestres de vida livre e em cativeiro no estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil

Abstract

Birds play a key role in assessing the quality of the environment and are essential for identifying areas that need to be preserved. They are highly sensitive to environmental changes, and their species diversity and habitat occupancy make them one of the most studied groups in the neotropical region. However, illegal activities involving wild birds pose a significant risk for disease transmission, as birds can be exposed to infectious agents and inadequate conditions. The One Health approach is a collaborative and transdisciplinary strategy that recognizes the interconnectedness between people, animals, plants, and the shared environment. Rescuing these birds for rehabilitation and reintroduction requires the identification of infectious agents, both for public health reasons and to prevent the introduction of exotic pathogens into wild populations. Among the pathogens of importance in bird health, we can highlight Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD), caused by the Beak and Feather Disease Virus (BFDV), a circovirus. It primarily affects birds of the Psittaciformes order and can lead to feather dystrophy and immunosuppression. PBFD has a wide geographic distribution. In addition to Chlamydia psittaci (C. psittaci), the bacterium responsible for chlamydiosis in domestic and wild birds, especially psittacines. It can be found in various bird species and is a widespread disease, causing economic losses in the poultry industry and representing a zoonotic risk for humans. This study demonstrated the presence of BFDV and Chlamydia sp. in 67.8% (42/62) and 75.8% (47/62) of the animals, respectively, through detection using the Polymerase Chain Reaction technique in Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco), Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), and Blue-and-Yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna), both free-living and captive wild birds. BFDV and C. psittaci can be spread by infected birds, contributing to disease dissemination, and detecting these pathogens in wild birds can be challenging. Preserving birds is important for environmental maintenance and the assessment of environmental quality. However, the illegal trade of wild birds can pose a risk to public health due to disease transmission. The One Health approach is recommended to address both zoonotic diseases, such as chlamydiosis, and BFDV, which can affect neotropical birds and have impacts on species conservation.