Isolation and characterization of 10 microsatellite DNA markers in the oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus).

We designed 10 new microsatellite markers for the oriental honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhyncus) and tested them on 44 individuals. The number of alleles ranged from two to 12 with an average of five, while the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.273 to 1.

Sex identification of owls (family Strigidae) using oligonucleotide microarrays.

Molecular sexing of the diversified avian family Strigidae is difficult. Sex identification using the intron length difference between W and Z chromosomal CHD1 genes, as visualized by agarose gel electrophoreses, often produces ambiguous results. Here we describe a simple method for sexing a variety of Strigidae species using oligonucleotide microarrays, on which several sex-specific probes operated complementarily or in concert.

Simultaneous detection and differentiation of Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses using oligonucleotide microarrays.

Newcastle disease (ND) and avian influenza (AI) are two of the most important zoonotic viral diseases of birds throughout the world. These two viruses often have a great impact upon the poultry industry. Both viruses are associated with transmission from wild to domestic birds, and often display similar signs that need to be differentiated.

Dog keeping in Taiwan: its contribution to the problem of free-roaming dogs.

This study conducted a quantitative ethnographic analysis of the influence of demographic factors and early experience (childhood exposure to dogs) on Taiwanese dog-keeping practices and behavior. A telephone survey of a randomly selected sample of 2001 Taiwan residents determined their dog ownership histories, current patterns of dog ownership and disposal, and other dog-related activities. The results suggest that low rates of neutering, easy availability of low- or no-cost puppies, a tendency to allow owned dogs free access to the outdoors, unrealistic expectations of dog ownership, canine behavioral problems, and religious and cultural taboos against euthanasia and shelter relinquishment have contributed to the recent increase in the numbers of free-roaming dogs in Taiwan.