Gizzard impaction in lesser rhea chicks (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina.

Impaction of the gizzard was diagnosed in 33 1-to-4-wk-old lesser rhea (Pterocnemia pennata) raised on farms in Patagonia, Argentina. The birds showed anorexia, lethargy, constipation, dehydration, weight loss, and weakness. Necropsy revealed gizzard impaction by fibrous material, sand, rocks, and rubbish. Also, excess fibrous material was observed in the small intestine, and intussusception was found in one chick. Impaction of the gizzard observed in the present study was similar to that reported in other ratite species and confirmed that this disease can affect lesser rhea chicks raised in captivity. This disease affected 33 out of 41 (80%) dead lesser rhea chicks submitted to the Animal Health Unit of The National Institute of Agricultural Technology, Bariloche, Argentina, during the study period, so it can be a significant cause of mortality in farmed rheas in Argentina.