Significant helminthiasis, ocular defects and other disorders in an endangered population of red-billed choughs (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax): A descriptive observational study.

Background: The breeding population of the red-billed chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) in Scotland has fallen in recent years, with all breeding pairs now confined to the Hebridean islands of Islay and Colonsay. Demographic studies have shown that a significant factor in the population decline on Islay has been reduced survival from fledging to 1 year of age (juveniles). Understanding the significance of infectious and non-infectious diseases in chough mortality is crucial to the development of successful management strategies aimed at conserving breeding populations of choughs in Scotland and elsewhere.

The prevalence and source of plastic incorporated into nests of five seabird species on a small offshore island.

There is little evidence documenting the prevalence of plastic nest incorporation for different seabird species and populations, and even less detailing the source of such debris as nesting material. This study presents a baseline dataset on the presence of plastic in the nests of five seabird species on Lady Isle, Scotland using a novel and repeatable methodology for quantifying plastic incorporated into nests. Plastic was found in 24.

Haemoproteus minutus is highly virulent for Australasian and South American parrots.

Background: Haemoproteus and Plasmodium species are widespread avian blood parasites. Several Plasmodium species are known for their high virulence and have caused significant declines in naïve bird populations. The impact of closely related Haemoproteus parasites is largely unknown.

The emergence and spread of finch trichomonosis in the British Isles.

Finch trichomonosis, caused by the protozoal parasite Trichomonas gallinae, was first recognized as an emerging infectious disease of British passerines in 2005. The first year of seasonal epidemic mortality occurred in 2006 with significant declines of greenfinch Carduelis chloris and chaffinch Fringilla coelebs populations. Here, we demonstrate that large-scale mortality, principally of greenfinch, continued in subsequent years, 2007-2009, with a shifting geographical distribution across the British Isles over time.