@article{rush_hunter_papich_raphael_calle_clippinger_cook_2005, title={Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Acyclovir in Tragopans (Tragopan species)}, volume={19}, ISSN={1082-6742}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1647/2004-026.1}, DOI={10.1647/2004-026.1}, abstractNote={Abstract In response to multiple peracute deaths caused by herpesvirus in several pheasant species, a study was designed to determine the absorption, distribution, and linearity of acyclovir in hybrid tragopans (Tragopan caboti × Tragopan temminckii). Acyclovir was administered to 5 healthy adult tragopans, 3 males and 2 females, in a single dose of 40, 80, or 120 mg/kg PO. Blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration, and concentrations of acyclovir were measured by reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a C-8 column and ultraviolet (UV) detection. Although plasma concentrations were not linear, results from this study suggest that a dosage of 120 mg/kg PO q12h in tragopans may achieve effective plasma concentrations (1.0 μg/ml) for potential treatment and prevention of herpesviral infections. However, further studies are needed to determine if this dosage is safe for repeated administration.}, number={4}, journal={Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery}, publisher={Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV)}, author={Rush, Elizabeth Marie and Hunter, Robert P. and Papich, Mark and Raphael, Bonnie L. and Calle, Paul P. and Clippinger, Tracy L. and Cook, Robert A.}, year={2005}, month={Dec}, pages={271–276} }