Factors influencing the onset and progression of pododermatitis in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae)

Abstract

Pododermatitis is a worldwide problem in captive flaamingos. We performed an evaluation of different influence factors (age, sex, weight, origin, breeding status) and a comparison of foot lesions between several zoological institutions and the feet of free-ranging Greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus). A scoring system was used to determine the prevalence and types of lesions and severity. Cracks and nodules developed as early as 3 months of age and papillomatous growths as early as 6 to 7 months of age in captivity. Nodules with ulceration occurred significantly more often in birds older than 31 years and heavier than 4 kg. The comparison of different institutions revealed that birds kept in enclosures with natural-floored water ponds had significantly less severe lesions than birds kept in concrete water ponds. None of the freeranging flamingos, which live on a muddy underground, showed any lesion. This study demonstrates that flooring, weight and age are important in the onset and progression of pododermatitis in flamingos. Centre de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes, le Sambuc, France SummaryPododermatitis is a worldwide problem in captive flamingos. We performed an evaluation of

Pododermatitis in Captive and Free-Ranging Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)

“…12 In our study, histologic lesions were detected in macroscopically normal-appearing feet. We hypothesize that proliferative lesions are reactions to the inflammation caused by A. dermatophilus 10 being able to invade a weakened skin barrier, possibly caused by factors such as flooring 41,42 and nutritional deficiencies. 43 …”

“…Suboptimal flooring or insufficient dietary zinc could be other possible predisposing factors for bacterial invasion of the feet of flamingos in this study. [41][42][43] Histologic examination of the feet of 2 flamingo chicks in 2011 showed neither bacteria nor an epidermal disruption. However, the bacterium A. dermatophilus was isolated from skin scrapings of all 20 chicks in 2011 at 12 weeks of age in the course of a bacteriologic study.…”

“…32 In most of the avian patients, the classic bumblefoot lesion (nodular lesion with central ulceration) is called pododermatitis, but additional types of foot lesions were described in flamingos: hyperkeratosis (slight overgrowth/marked overgrowth), fissures (superficial/deep), nodular lesions (without ulceration/with ulceration), and papillomatous growths (finger-like/cauliflower-like). 28,41 Previous evaluation of papillomatous lesions revealed some similarities to virus-induced papillomata of dogs and cats (N. Robert, personal communication, 2009), and thus papillomavirus involvement was suspected. 34 Supporting this hypothesis, virus-like particles were found in a Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) with proliferative pododermatitis 4 and in multiple waterfowl species with verrucous hyperkeratotic lesions.…”

“…The types of flooring in water ponds and dietary zinc availability have been identified as possible factors in development of pododermatitis in flamingos. [41][42][43] Pododermatitis in turkeys is characterized by the presence of hyperkeratosis and erosion or ulceration of the sole. 3 Excess pressure on the feet of pet birds may result in similar lesions.…”

“…9,16,20 This was supported by the evaluation of free-ranging greater flamingos in the Camargue, France, which did not show any foot lesions. 41 Factors influencing the level of pododermatitis have been evaluated mainly from poultry farm data, where nutrition 6,26 and substrate 2,24,25,27 were identified as contributing factors. The types of flooring in water ponds and dietary zinc availability have been identified as possible factors in development of pododermatitis in flamingos.…”