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1 December 2014 Fatal Envenomation of a Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) From Eastern Yellow Jacket Wasps (Vespula maculifrons)
Wm. Kirk Suedmeyer, John G. Trupkiewicz
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

A 37-year-old, female Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) presented with severe facial angioedema, bilateral corneal and palpebral edema, nictitating membrane paralysis, bradycardia, bradypnea, hypothermia, and numerous stingers and remnants of eastern yellow jacket wasps (Vespula maculifrons) attached to the feathers of the head, palpebrae, and conjunctiva. Evaluation of 2 complete blood cell counts and results of plasma chemical analysis and serum protein electrophoresis revealed severe increases in creatinine phosphokinase and aspartate aminotransferase activity, electrolyte disturbances, and moderate increases in levels of α1, α2, β1, and γ immunoglobulins when compared with reference interval values and conspecifics. Despite intensive treatment, the bird died 19 hours after presentation. Results of histologic evaluation of tissues were compatible with envenomation. Response to envenomation in avian species is not documented but should be considered in birds presenting with angioedema.

Wm. Kirk Suedmeyer and John G. Trupkiewicz "Fatal Envenomation of a Chilean Flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis) From Eastern Yellow Jacket Wasps (Vespula maculifrons)," Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery 28(4), 330-335, (1 December 2014). https://doi.org/10.1647/2013-070
Published: 1 December 2014
KEYWORDS
anaphylaxis
Avian
Chilean flamingo
eastern yellow jacket wasp
envenomation
Phoenicopterus chilensis
serum protein electrophoresis
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