No evidence of Campylobacter, Salmonella and Yersinia in free–living populations of the red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae)

Abstract

Screening for pathogenic micro-organisms is an essential component of translocationbased conservation management. While there are some data on pathogens in New Zealand passerines, little is known about the distribution and prevalence of pathogens infecting New Zealand Psittaciformes. We conducted a survey for pathogens of the vulnerable New Zealand endemic red-crowned parakeet Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae in two wild populations (Little Barrier Island and Raoul Island), and in a translocated population (Tiritiri Matangi Island). A total of 101 cloacal samples were tested for Salmonella and Yersinia. Of these, 82 samples were also tested for Campylobacter. None of these microorganisms were detected. Although our sampling effort was insufficient to detect a low prevalence of Campylobacter, modelling of minimum detectable prevalence of Salmonella and Yersinia indicates that these micro–organisms would have been detected if present as common or chronic conditions of redcrowned parakeets at these sites. © The Royal Society of New Zealand 2009.