Major Avian Diseases
also see diseases, therapies
Pacheco's virus
affects liver and spleen. Amazons and Conures can be resistant carriers. It is rapidly fatal in most other parrots. There is a vaccine. Exposed bird may be saved if treated prior to showing symptoms.
Polyoma virus
also known as papovavirus and budgarigar fledgeling disease. The disease can be rapidly fatal or chronic. Mortality is high among juvenile birds. There is a vaccine and a test for this disease. Eclectus and Caiques are susceptible even as adults. read more
PDD
Proventricular Dilatation Disease, also known as Macaw Wasting Disease and Proventricular Syndrome. Causative agent is like a virus and a virus may have been identified. It attacks the central nervous system and the nervous system of the digestive tract. Route of transmission is unknown. There are both chronic and acute forms. There is no vaccine, but a test for the disease is in development. read more
PBFD
Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. Caused by a virus. It is sometimes referred to as avian AIDS because it severely depresses the immune system. In one form, the virus attacks the organs of the immune system and in another form, there is extensive feather loss. Feathers that grow do so abnormally. The beak and nails overgrow and fracture. As far as I know, there is no vaccine. Some birds are known to sero-convert. There is a test for this disease. read more
Newcastle Disease
VVND (Velogenic Viscerotropic Newcastle Disease. Caused by a virus. Nearly 100% mortality. Can be transmitted to all species of birds so has grave implications for the poultry industry. This disease is reportable to the State Department of Agriculture. In order to prevent the spread of this disease, all birds within a determined area of contagion are euthanized.
Sarcocystis
Protozoan organism whose life-cycle involves opossums, birds (particularly grackles), and insects (cockroaches and flies). It mainly infects the lungs which fill with fluid, causing swift death. Old world parrots like cockatoos, african greys, and eclectus are especially susceptible.
Giardia
Protozoan organism contracted by drinking contaminated water. This organism is found in birds, humans, dogs, and cats. read more
Psittacosis
Caused by the chlamydia organism. It is transmissible to humans and is therefore reportable to the State Department of Health. It is easily treated with tetracycline drugs. There is a test for this disease.
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