HEALTH SCREENING OF THE EUROPEAN ENDANGERED SPECIES PROGRAM CAPTIVE POPULATION OF THE PINK PIGEON (NESOENAS MAYERI)

The population of the Mauritian pink pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) fell to fewer than 20 individuals in 1970s. Following intensive conservation efforts, free-living is now estimated be 470 individuals. However, because bottleneck species remains at risk extinction genetic loss and inbreeding depression. A European captive was established 1977 a Endangered Species Program (EEP) formalized 1992. As birds EEP possess unique alleles not observed surviving birds, management plan recommends transferring Mauritius improve diversity. Health screening current identify circulating pathogens performed. Forty-two from three collections United Kingdom one Jersey were screened for wide range pathogens, present clinically or subclinically, including important viruses, bacteria, protozoa, helminths. Eleven tested positive least pathogen: Trichomonas spp. (5), Yersinia kristensenii (2), aleksiciae (1), coccidial oocysts (3), strongyle ova (3). None showed overt signs clinical disease, although two with had suboptimal body condition. Genotyping gallinae sample revealed type-C strain (low pathogenicity). results this will contribute towards disease assessment, create pre-export protocol translocation Mauritius.