NAVLE NAVLE Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pet cockatiel presents with nasal discharge, sneezing, and conjunctivitis. Which organism is the most likely causative agent?
- Chlamydia psittaci (Correct answer)
- Pasteurella multocida
- Aspergillus fumigatus
- Mycobacterium avium
Correct answer: Chlamydia psittaci
Chlamydia psittaci causes psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis), which commonly presents with respiratory signs and conjunctivitis in psittacine birds.
Question 2: Which anatomical site is preferred for intramuscular injections in birds?
- Pectoral muscle (Correct answer)
- Quadriceps muscle
- Epaxial muscle
- Wing web
Correct answer: Pectoral muscle
The pectoral muscle is the preferred IM injection site in birds because of its large mass and easy accessibility.
Question 3: A backyard chicken flock presents with sudden death, cyanosis of the comb and wattles, and neurological signs. Which disease should be the primary differential?
- Newcastle disease (velogenic strain) (Correct answer)
- Marek's disease
- Infectious bronchitis
- Fowl pox
Correct answer: Newcastle disease (velogenic strain)
Velogenic Newcastle disease causes acute high mortality with concurrent respiratory, nervous, and circulatory signs including cyanosis.
Question 4: Which antifungal drug is currently the first-line treatment for aspergillosis in birds?
- Voriconazole (Correct answer)
- Amphotericin B
- Griseofulvin
- Ketoconazole
Correct answer: Voriconazole
Voriconazole is the preferred antifungal for avian aspergillosis due to its superior efficacy and safety compared to older azoles.
Question 5: Air sac mites (Sternostoma tracheacolum) most commonly cause respiratory disease in which group of birds?
- Canaries and finches (Correct answer)
- Psittacines (parrots)
- Domestic poultry
- Waterfowl
Correct answer: Canaries and finches
Air sac mites primarily affect Passeriformes such as canaries and finches, causing respiratory distress and the 'going light' syndrome.
Question 6: In avian anatomy, the proventriculus is best described as which of the following?
- The glandular stomach that secretes HCl and pepsin (Correct answer)
- The muscular gizzard that grinds food
- A food storage pouch along the esophagus
- The avian equivalent of the small intestine
Correct answer: The glandular stomach that secretes HCl and pepsin
The proventriculus is the glandular (true) stomach of birds that secretes hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes before food enters the ventriculus.
NAVLE NAVLE Avian and Exotic Animal Medicine 1
A pet cockatiel presents with nasal discharge, sneezing, and conjunctivitis.
Which organism is the most likely causative agent?