Comparative genomics of the sexually transmitted parasite reveals relaxed and convergent evolution and genes involved in spillover from birds to humans.

is the causative agent of the venereal disease trichomoniasis which infects men and women globally and is associated with serious outcomes during pregnancy and cancers of the human reproductive tract. Trichomonads parasitize a range of hosts in addition to humans including birds, livestock, and domesticated animals. Recent genetic analysis of trichomonads recovered from columbid birds has provided evidence that these parasite species undergo frequent host-switching, and that a current epoch spillover event from columbids likely gave rise to in humans.

Increased freedom of head movement mitigates stress and bacterial load in the airways of horses during transport.

Introduction: Protection of horse welfare during transport is crucial. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of head and neck restraint on behavior and airway bacteria.

Methods: In a randomized crossover study, six healthy Thoroughbreds were transported by road for 22 h in an individual bay with tight head restraint (50 cm short-rope) or loose head restraint (95 cm long-rope).

Metagenomic Detection of Multiple Viruses in Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) in Australia.

Background: Birds are known to harbour many pathogens, including circovirus, herpesviruses, adenoviruses and Chlamydia psittaci. Some of these pose zoonotic risks, while others, such as beak and feather disease virus (BFDV), have a significant impact on the conservation of endangered bird species.

Objectives: This study was aimed to determine the faecal virome of a group of apparently healthy Monk parakeet using high-throughput sequencing.