Bird Diseases Part 2

[natasha]

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

~caused by Pscittacine circovirus 1
~chronic diseased characterized by feather loss, dystrophy and eventual death
~Most species susceptable with Cockatoos, African Greys, Eclectus and Lovebirds commonly aflicted.
~generally a disease of birds < 3 years of age. Most develop transient infection that bird overcomes itself.
~Virus spread from hen to egg, hen to chick or by inhalation or ingestion of infected feather dust or feces.
~VIRUS CAN BE CARRIED ON CLOTHING AND SURVIVE IN ENVIRONMENT FOR SEVERAL MONTHS!
~Most birds die within 6 to 12 month after onset of signs

Treatment: considered a terminal illness, but good nursing care and treatment with appropriate antibiotics can improve bird's quality of life for a short period of time.

Control: closed aviary and good hygiene
Blood sample, feather, feather dust or feces can all be used for testing.

Chlamydiosis (Chlamydia pscittaci)

~common problem caused by bacteria
~natural disease of birds THAT CAN BE SPREAD TO HUMANS*.
~Seen in many birds esp. Budgies and Cockatiels
~only small number of infected birds actually show signs
~bacteria spread through droppings, secretions or feather material.
~Clinical signs include weight loss, abnormal droppings, depression, enlarged spleen and respiratory problems

Treatment: nursing support and treatment with antibiotics for a minimum of 45 days.

Control: closed flock and good husbandry, quarantine new birds.

Cloacal swab, blood sample or feces can be used for testing.


*People become infected through exposure to infected bird or their droppings. Incubation period is 5 to 14 days. Causes flu-like symptoms and atypical pneumonia with possible heart or neurological complications. Antibiotics are treatment of choice.



Paraphrased from "Avian Diseases" by Dr. Julie Deroo HBSc., DVM


I hope this was informative for you.



You can not pass on your cold to a bird.

[Kale]

Thanks for the update Scoop!
Will keep this in mind.


Kale

[foxfai]

Hi, I am new here and i have a few questions. I have own a green cheek conure for about a year now. There had been problems with it's diet that i think lead to feather problems. Like black spot, end splitting feathers, I did gave it vitamin water to drink and it was better for a while. But now, i am not sure if it's a disese or the birds behavior, it has a bald spot on its chest !!! i could see the ends of the feather, but not the rest of them. There is a link with the pictures here ....

http://www.we-todd-did-racing.com/w...kZmQzMXk1NDE%3D

Please help !!!!

[natasha]

Hi,
A visit to your Vet and a blood test will help determine if it is a disease.