Baseline health parameters of rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) using serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins, and biochemistry

Approximately half (48%) of wild, apparently healthy rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) sampled across the North Pacific were seropositive for influenza A virus, with prevalence peaking at 75% in 2014. This study establishes baseline clinical health reference intervals for serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins (serum amyloid A and haptoglobin), and biochemistry parameters in this key sentinel seabird species, using data from 178 breeding adults captured between 2013 and 2019 at five colonies. The findings provide critical metrics to inform marine ecosystem monitoring, wildlife rehabilitation, and conservation efforts in the Pacific Northwest. Researchers employed established guidelines from the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology to analyze health parameters, offering insights into inflammatory responses, nutritional status, and organ function.

Lee, L. K. F., Hipfner, J. M., Frankfurter, G., Cray, C., Pearson, S. F., Fiorello, C., Clyde, N. M. T., Hudson, S. A., Parker, S. E., Stallknecht, D. E., Furst, E., & Haman, K. H. (2024). Baseline health parameters of rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) using serum protein electrophoresis, acute phase proteins, and biochemistry. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1379980