Sequenced RAPD markers to detect hybridization in the barbary partridge (Alectoris barbara, Phasianidae).

In the Alectoris partridges (Phasianidae), hybridization occurs occasionally as a result of the natural breakdown of isolating mechanisms but more frequently as a result of human activity. No genetic record of hybridization is known for the barbary partridge (A. barbara).

Genetic insight into Mediterranean chukar (Alectoris chukar, Galliformes) populations inferred from mitochondrial DNA and RAPD markers.

The chukar (Alectoris chukar, Galliformes) is one of the most important game birds as it is widely distributed and hunted over the whole of its range. The aim of this work was to assess the genetic differentiation as well as the possible presence of hybrid specimens in A. chukar populations from Italy, Greece and Cyprus.

Experimental Brucella ovis infection in mouflon (Ovis musimon).

Brucella ovis was isolated for the first time in Italy in 1994 from the genital organs of two domestic rams. In subsequent years bacteriologic and serologic investigations demonstrated an increasing distribution of this disease in domestic sheep. Mouflon (Ovis musimon) occur in several hilly and mountainous areas of Italy where they can potentially contact domestic sheep.