Gizzard impaction in lesser rhea chicks (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina

CHANG REISSIG E.; ROBLES C.A.

AVIAN DISEASES

American Association of Avian Pathologists

Lugar: Athens; Año: 2001 vol. 45 p. 240 - 244

0005-2086

Impaction of the gizzard was diagnosed in thirty three, 1 to 4 week old lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata), raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina. The birds showed anorexia, lethargy, constipation, dehydration, weight loss and weakness. Necropsy revealed gizzard impaction by fibrous material, sand, rocks and rubbish. Also, excess fibrous material was observed in the small intestine, and intussusception was found in one chick. Impaction of the gizzard observed in the present study was similar to that reported in other ratite species, and confirmed that this disease can affect lesser rhea chicks raised in captivity. This disease affected thirty three out of forty one (80%) dead lesser rhea chicks submitted to the Animal Health Unit of INTA Bariloche during the study period, so it can be a significant cause of mortality in farmed rheas in Argentina.