Links
Recommended resources for veterinary and animal science

Birds

Information Gateways

NetVet - Birds
This information gateway is part of the larger NetVet site. The page consists of a series of links organised under the following broad headings: poultry, pet birds, other birds, and commercial.

Avibase
Avibase is a database covering all the bird species worldwide. It contains almost 1 million recourds about 10,000 species and 22,000 subspecies of birds. The database is searchable by species name, or may be browsed by Latin family names. There are also checklists of bird species available for each continent and region. The site is managed by Denis Lepage and hosted by Bird Studies Canada.

General Resources

The University of Sydney Library Catalogue
Recommended subject headings on the University of Sydney Library Catalogue are:

• birds
• birds Australia
• birds related subjects (for specific types of bird)

All about birds
Published by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Provides details on birding, how to identify birds, habitat and conservation. The site includes the Online Bird Guide an alphabetical listing of bird species with information, including sounds, video, and distribution maps.

Encyclopaedia of Bird Care
Written by Peter Weaver, with some additional information added by other contributors, this Encyclopaedia is intended to be a source for basic, practical advice on bird care. The Encyclopaedia is searchable via an alphabetic index or by keyword.

Ratite Bibliography and Database
Compiled by Ken Ladd when he was Head of the Veterinary Medicine Library, University of Saskatchewan. The site consists of a searchable database to access bibliographic information, both books and articles, about ratites. The bibliography was last updated in January 1999.

Birds On! Bird Dictionary
Bird On! is a dictionary of bird watching terminology with full search and cross-reference facilities. Includes the complete text of The Birdwatcher's Dictionary by Peter Weaver published by A & T D Poyser Ltd, London in 1981. The site is sponsored by Wild Bird News.

Ornithological Web Library
Complied by Aves.Net, this site is a gateway to 1200+ non-commercial sites devoted to wild birds and their study. The linked sites include information about bird ringing, schemes, indangered species, sound and image libraries, rehabilitation, population and migration monitoring and ornithological research.

Avian Medicine Links
Compiled by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (Australian Committee), this site consists of links to primary information and to other sites related to avian medicine. The site includes information about avian haematology, psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), avian polyomavirus (APV) and more. The site is sometimes slow to load.

AVIAN
Compiled by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension Programme, this site links to a number of full-text articles on bird diseases. Topics covered by this site include: avian goiter, avian necropsy techniques, the avian immune system, disease prevention in commercial aviaries, and more.

Housing, Husbandry, Care & Welfare of Selected Birds (Quail, Pheasant, Finches, Ostrich, Dove, Parrot & Others)
Published by the US Department of Agriculture in February 2004. This publication is No. 26 in the Animal Welfare Information Center Resource Series. The site provides an expansive bibliography of avian publications, including websites.

Cranes: their biology, husbandry, and conservation
This website is the full text of the book edited by by David H. Ellis, George F. Gee, and Claire M. Mirande and presented on the web by U.S Geological Survey. Files are in PDF format and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to be viewed. The book is a definitive work on cranes and gives comprehensive information on biology and physiology, husbandry and veterinary care, reproduction, behaviour, genetic management of breeding, reintroduction techniques, predator and pest management and ecology and conservation issues.

Avian visual cognition
This website is an electronic book Avian visual cognition, edited and published by Dr. Robert G. Cook, Department of Psychology, Tufts University in cooperation with Comparative Cognition Press. Cook's research interests are in the general area of comparative animal cognition especially the mechanisms of visual perception and discrimination learning in pigeons. The book includes chapters on the evolution of the avian visual system, object recognition, and birds' judgments of number and quantity.

Organisations

International Aviculturists Society
The International Aviculturists Society (IAS) is an international non-profit organisation which aims to "protect, preserve, and enhance the keeping and breeding of all exotic birds through educational programs, cooperative breeding programs and the funding of avian research and avian conservation programs". This Web site provides access to scientific articles on topics such as proventricular dilatation disease, prevention of avian polyomavirus infection, and psittacine beak and feather disease. Information is provided on conservation projects funded, IAS conference proceedings and membership information.

Birds - Australia

Birds Australia
Compiled by Birds Australia, previously known as the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union, this site includes information on threatened and endangered Australian birds, bird calls, and maps of bird distribution in Australia.

Native Bird Exporting (.pdf format)
Written by George R. Wilson, and published by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC), this handbook explores the opportunities for a regulated industry for the export of Australian native birds and reptiles.

Anatomy

Avian Anatomy
This site is a series of notes authored by Jim Cummings, Senior Lecturer in Anatomy, Division of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, on the avian anatomy. Last updated in 1996, the site discusses avian anatomy under the following chapter headings:

• Evolution and classification
• Anatomy of flight
• Cardiovascular system
• Digestive system
• Urogenital and endocrine systems

Glossary of Avian external anatomy
Prepared by Dennis Paulson, Director of the James R. Slater Museum of Natural History, this site is a glossary of terms relevant to the avian external anatomy.

Diseases and Pests

See Also: Avian Influenza

Recent Advances in Avian Infectious Diseases
Full text of electronic book edited by veterinarians, K. S. Kearns and B. Lourdis and published by the International Veterinary Information Service, Ithaca NY, in 2003. There are currently chapters on avian aspergillosis and avian mycobacteriosis available with further chapters to be added in the future. Users need to register with IVIS to gain access. Registration is simple and free.

1998 IVCVM Proceedings: Diseases of Psittacine Birds
Full text of papers presented at the International Virtual Conferences in Veterinary Medicine: Diseases of Psittacine Birds, May 15-June 30 1998. Hosted by the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Osteopetrosis in Budgerigars
Written by Dr John R. Baker in 1997 and hosted by Budgerigars Galore, this site summarises autopsies performed on four budgerigars with apparent osteopetrosis.

Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydia Psittaci Infection among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis)
Published on the web by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), this document is issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and is endorsed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Avian Veterinarians, and the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists. It provides information about avian chlamydiosis in birds and its human counterpart psittacosis. Infection in humans and birds is discussed as well as methods for diagnosing avian chlamydiosis, treatment options and other recommendations.

Progress in Understanding Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)
This page is taken from the Proceedings of the International Aviculturists Society, March 4 - 8, 1998, Orlando, Florida, and is hosted by the International Aviculturists Society. It includes a brief summary of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD) cause and diagnosis.

Psittacine Beak and Feather disease (PBFD)
Compiled by Dr S.R. Raidal (Avian Health) from Murdoch University, this site covers the history, cause, diagnosis, pathogenesis, prevention and control of Psittacine Beak and Feather disease (PBFD). It also includes a section on PBFD in wild birds as well as a brief summary of current research.

Antibody Testing for Chlamydia psittaci using a rapid ELISA-KIT
Authored by U. Bendheim, A. Naveh, and E. Keren (Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, Hebrew University, Israel and Biogal Laboratories, Kibbutz Galed, Israel), this paper compares the Immunocomb (IC) ELISA test and immunofluorescence (IF) microscopy in their ability to diagnose Chlamydia psittaci infection.

Heterophilic Leukocytosis and Myeloid hyperplasia Associated with Infection in a Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea)
Authored by Dorothee Bienzle (Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia) and Dale A. Smith (Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph), this article is a case study on the treatment of a female adult Lesser Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua sulphurea). This study "...illustrates the ability of a psittacine bird to mount a marked heterophilic leukocytosis."

Sarcocystosis in a Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Cacatua leadbeateri)
This case report describes the gross necropsy findings and histologic lesions associated with fatal sarcocystosis. The life cycle of the parasite is examined with an emphasis on methods of disease prevention. Authored by Kelli L. Boyd of the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, and Kenneth S. Latimer.

Respiratory Diseases in Budgerigars: an approach to treatment
Written by Dr John R. Baker (1995) and hosted by Budgerigars Galore, this article focuses on the identification of respiratory disease in budgerigars, and outlines a suggested treatment for the disease.

Comparison of Immediate Skin Test Reactions in Clinically Normal and Self-mutilating Psittaciformes
This study examines skin test reactions in normal and self-mutilating Pasittaciformes. The skin test results suggest that environmental allergens may be associated with self-mutilation in Psittaciformes. Authored by Patricia J. Macwhirter from the Highbury Veterinary Clinic, Victoria, and Ralf Mueller from the Australia Skin and Allergy Clinic, Victoria.

Use of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for Viral Diagnosis in Psittacine Birds
Authored by W. L. Steffens of the Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, this article examines the use of Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) as a tool for providing rapid ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnoses of viral infections.

Avian Polyomavirus (APV)
This article explores the occurrence of Avian Polyomavirus (APV) in a variety of bird species. It also outlines testing for APV as well as vaccination, prevention and control of the disease. The article concludes with an extensive reference list. Authored by David N. Phalen, DVM, PhD, Assistant Professor, Zoological Medicine Section, Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery Texas A&M University.

AUSVETPLAN: Avian Influenza
Interim draft Version 3.1 2005. This strategy sets out the disease control principles approved by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council use in an animal health emergency caused by the occurence of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Australia.

Megabacteria

Megabacteria
Written by Cerise Duran and hosted by the Shady Pines Aviary Site, this article contains a brief summary and management of megabacteria. A useful Q &A section is included on the site.

Megabacteria in Budgerigars
Written by Kevin Eatwell (1999) and hosted by Budgerigars Galore, this article summarises a study by the author on treatment for megabacteria.

Megabacteriosis: Notes for Budgerigar Fanciers
Written by Dr John R. Baker (1997) and hosted by Budgerigars Galore, this article contains a brief summary of megabacteria and its treatment. The summary arises from the results of post-mortem operations carried out by the author. See also Baker's Megabacteria in diseased and healthy budgerigars for related information.

Treatment of Megabacteria in Budgerigars by In-Water Medication with Soluble Amphotericin
Authored by Anthony W. Gestier, Vetafarm Research Facility, Wagga Wagga, Australia. This page outlines a study undertaken by the author on the treatment of clinical megabacteriosis in Budgerigars, using a water soluble form of Amphotericin B.

Current Awareness / Discussion Lists

Bird Medicine Discussion List
Hosted by the Association of Avian Veterinarians (Australian Committee), this list is "intended to stimulate discussion, disseminate knowledge, and, in particular, to facilitate undergraduate learning in the field of avian medicine, including the areas of pathobiology and surgery." This is a closed discussion group for veterinary students and veterinarians only.

Birds Australia Research Discussion Group (BARD)
The primary aim of BARD is to facilitate better communication amongst ornithologists carrying out research in the Australasian region. Communications circulated on the list are restricted to discussions of research issues and exchange of information or views. Anyone wishing to join BARD should email the list manager, Dr Mike Clarke of the Deptartment of Zoology, La Trobe University

Recommended Research Databases and Indexes

Recommended research databases and indexes for this area of study are: CAB Abstracts, MEDLINE, AGRICOLA and Web of Science.