The innate immunity receptor TIR8/SIGIRR is expressed in the early developmental stages of chicken embryos.

The orphan receptor TIR8, also known as SIGIRR (Single Immunoglobulin IL-1R-Related molecule), belongs to the IL-1R/TLR (TIR) superfamily and plays an important role in the inflammatory responses. The signaling pathways of the receptors belonging to the TIR family are tightly regulated by both extracellular and intracellular mechanisms. TIR8 does not activate the transcription factors NFkB (nuclear factor kB) and IRF3 (interferon regulatory factor 3), although it negatively modulates the inflammatory responses.

Morphological and immunohistochemical observations on leiomyoma of the ventral ligament of the oviduct of the hen.

Leiomyomas of the ventral ligament (LVLs) of the oviduct from 2-year-old spent layers were examined. These tumours can be present either as single large masses or as multiple smaller nodules. The most common site of origin of the tumours was the centre of the free margin of the ventral ligament, but some small tumours were observed at the insertion of this ligament into the magnum of the oviduct.

Molecular biological characterization of avian poxvirus strains isolated from different avian species.

Fifteen strains of Avipoxvirus from different avian species were isolated and molecular biologically characterized. Most strains did not produce evident pocks on the chorioallantoic membranes of commercial and specific-pathogen free embryonated chicken eggs where, on the contrary, microscopic signs of viral growth were always detected. Polymerase chain reaction of highly conserved P4b gene was positive for all cases confirming to be a reliable diagnostic method for Avipoxvirus.

Avian mycobacteriosis in companion birds: 20-year survey.

The causative agents of avian mycobacteriosis in pet birds are rarely identified. The aim of this study is to add information about the etiology of avian mycobacteriosis. The identification of mycobacterium species in 27 cases of avian mycobacteriosis in pet birds was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of a rRNA hypervariable region.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the pectoral muscles of a free-living European robin (Erithacus rubecula).

An adult free-living European robin (Erithacus rubecula) with a large, firm, subcutaneous mass on the pectoral muscle was examined. The bird was unable to fly and died spontaneously. Necropsy revealed a yellowish, bilobate mass almost completely replacing the pectoral muscles with extensive osteolysis of the keel bone.

Assessment of bovine herpesvirus 4 based vector in chicken.

The biological characteristics of BoHV-4 make it a good candidate as a gene delivery vector for vaccination purposes. These characteristics include little or no pathogenicity, unlikely oncogenicity, the ability to accommodate large amounts of foreign genetic material, the ability to infect several cell types from different animal species, such as sheep, goats, swine, cats, dogs, rabbits, mink, horses, turkeys, ferrets, monkeys, hamsters, rats, mice, and chickens. In this report, the feasibility to use BoHV-4 based vector in chicken was investigated.

Mycobacterium genavense and avian polyomavirus co-infection in a European goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis).

Systemic mycobacteriosis associated with avian polyomavirus infection was diagnosed histologically in an 8-year-old, captive European goldfinch with a history of nervous signs. Severe mycobacterial lesions were observed in the central nervous system, lungs, cervical air sacs and adrenal glands, without involvement of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition to mycobacteriosis, intranuclear inclusions, typical of polyomavirus, were identified in the adrenal glands.

Epornitic of avian pox in common buzzards (Buteo buteo): virus isolation and molecular biological characterization.

Six common buzzards from a bird rescue centre showed wart-like lesions on their toes. The lesions consisted of multiple crusty and proliferative nodules surrounded by skin swelling. Histologically, epithelial cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia with ballooning degeneration and large intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies consistent with avipoxvirus infection were seen.

Myotropic avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection in a chicken.

The study describes a highly productive myotropic avian leukosis virus infection (ALV) in a 3-month-old female chicken. At necropsy, ascites, hepatic fibrosis and cardiomegaly were seen. Histologically, the most striking lesion was the presence of cytoplasmic basophilic inclusions in myocardial fibers.

Circovirus inclusion bodies in intestinal muscle cells of a canary.

Multiple cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed in the intestinal smooth muscle cells of an adult canary from an aviary with a history of high mortality (50%) both in adult and young birds. Grossly, a mild enteritis was the only lesion appreciable. Smears of the proventricular contents contained a few megabacteria (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster).

An outbreak of Pacheco's parrot disease in psittacine birds recently imported to Campania, Italy: isolation of psittacid herpesvirus 2.

The authors describe an outbreak of Pacheco's Parrot Disease (PPD) which occurred in Italy in recently imported psittacine birds and was caused by Psittacid Herpesvirus type 2 (PsiHV2). The authors stress the different susceptibility to the disease in the species involved. This outbreak showed the failure of the vaccine prophylaxis that had been administered to the birds with ordinary commercial preparations containing Psittacid Herpesvirus type 1.

[Episodes of amyloidosis in young hens after repeated use of antibacterial oil emulsion vaccines].

Outbreaks of systemic amyloidosis with moderate to high mortality in two young layer flocks are described. In both the cases anamnesis reported repeated vaccinations with oil-emulsified bacterins. Grossly, the liver was enlarged, friable and pale.

Experimental reovirus hepatitis in newborn chicks.

The avian reovirus "UM 1-203" originally isolated in the United States from chickens with tenosynovitis was pathogenic for the newborn chick infected by parenteral inoculation. It induced plurivisceral lesions, which became particularly intense in the liver. The intense local multiplication of the virus provoked a necrotizing hepatitis; viral titers were maintained around an E.