From the Face-book page of ACTP :
Update – All 52 Spix’s macaws arrived safely at the Spix's Macaw Release Center for their Quarantine period. This group was specifically selected, with meticulous intent to form the most diverse genetic population possible from the global captive population. The birds were admitted into the Quarantine aviaries, with the MAPA and IBAMA officials on site. Each bird was caught out of the travel box, microchip read and released into their indoor quarantine aviary.
There were no mortalities, in the end, it was a successful trip. All birds are eating and drinking and are calm and comfortable in their new housing. The food for the birds was brought on the plane and was brought to the facility so all birds are used to the food they are receiving, this helps after a long trip.
Prior to traveling all birds were individually tested for all necessary diseases following both the Brazilian sanitary and captive program protocol, all birds were free of any pathogenic diseases. There were a few birds found to have a non-pathogenic mycoplasma, as there are many different bacterial strains, and only some are pathogenic. None of the pathogenic varieties were found, and the experts deemed the birds safe to travel.
On the 10th of March, we had a visit to the Quarantine by the MAPA quarantine officials to take final samples from all the birds. The MAPA team was impressed with the facilities, housing, and health of all the birds. The catching and testing process was quick, efficient and successful, with the minimum stress on the birds. We are happy to say all 52 Spix’s macaws are doing well.
At the same time, to keep the genetic diversity of the captive population, 4 birds bred with different genetics in Brazil last year are to go to the breeding center in Germany to be flocked and later paired up with birds bred in Germany. Annually 70% of all offspring produced will be sent to the facility in the Brazilian Caatinga to be released.
Update – All 52 Spix’s macaws arrived safely at the Spix's Macaw Release Center for their Quarantine period. This group was specifically selected, with meticulous intent to form the most diverse genetic population possible from the global captive population. The birds were admitted into the Quarantine aviaries, with the MAPA and IBAMA officials on site. Each bird was caught out of the travel box, microchip read and released into their indoor quarantine aviary.
There were no mortalities, in the end, it was a successful trip. All birds are eating and drinking and are calm and comfortable in their new housing. The food for the birds was brought on the plane and was brought to the facility so all birds are used to the food they are receiving, this helps after a long trip.
Prior to traveling all birds were individually tested for all necessary diseases following both the Brazilian sanitary and captive program protocol, all birds were free of any pathogenic diseases. There were a few birds found to have a non-pathogenic mycoplasma, as there are many different bacterial strains, and only some are pathogenic. None of the pathogenic varieties were found, and the experts deemed the birds safe to travel.
On the 10th of March, we had a visit to the Quarantine by the MAPA quarantine officials to take final samples from all the birds. The MAPA team was impressed with the facilities, housing, and health of all the birds. The catching and testing process was quick, efficient and successful, with the minimum stress on the birds. We are happy to say all 52 Spix’s macaws are doing well.
At the same time, to keep the genetic diversity of the captive population, 4 birds bred with different genetics in Brazil last year are to go to the breeding center in Germany to be flocked and later paired up with birds bred in Germany. Annually 70% of all offspring produced will be sent to the facility in the Brazilian Caatinga to be released.
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