About This Project

The purpose of this study is to create a standardized framework for evaluation of ulcerative dermatitis in Waldrapp ibis, with the ultimate goal of discovering the root cause of this condition in captive populations. This will be accomplished using a structured, multi-factorial approach that includes thorough analysis of skin biopsies, serology and husbandry. This research is supported by the Waldrapp Ibis SSP.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

The guidelines for the conservation and reintroduction of Waldrapp were established by the International Advisory Group for the Northern Bald Ibis. This group recommends that wild populations not be augmented by zoo-bred ibis. This decision is based on the prevalence of ulcerative dermatitis in zoo birds with no clear cause or treatment. As these birds are critically endangered, there is a fear that an unknown disease process could be introduced into the wild.

The hope behind this project is that by standardizing testing of the birds and establishing a method of quantifying the skin lesions, the true prevalence of ulcerative dermatitis can be established. This project is the first study of it's kind in this species.

What is the significance of this project?

The Northern Bald Ibis was once widespread across the Middle East, northern Africa, southern and central Europe. Currently, there are believed to be fewer than 500 wild birds in Morocco and fewer than 10 in Syria where is was rediscovered in 2002. Recent reintroduction programs have been instituted internationally with breeding sites in Turkey, Austria, Spain and northern Morocco. These programs helped downlist this bird from Critically Endangered to Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2018. However, there is concern that genetic bottlenecking may occur without the option of maintaining genetic diversity by moving zoo bred birds into reintroduction programs. Especially since many of thee breeding sites are in war torn areas.

What are the goals of the project?

Within the year, I hope to create a standardized grading scale to assess extent and severity of ulcerative dermatitis to implement across the SSP. This is done by using diagrams and photos to quantify dermatitis. Will use percent of body affected along with depth and size of ulcerations to set the grades. Data from husbandry surveys, dermatitis grading forms, bloodwork, and skin biopsies will also be analyzed to determine ulcerative dermatitis etiology. The bloodwork will potentially indicate any nutritional deficencies that may predispose these birds to skin disease. The biopsies will better characterize the extent of skin disease on a cellular level. With this information, we hope to improve the health of this species.