natasha
01-05-03, 12:35 PM 01-05-03
I have seen a question about bird diseases mentioned in a post on this site, so I thought that instead of replying and having this message lost, I would start a new topic. I'll make it short so it's not like reading a novel!
I would like to introduce the 4 main bird diseases that Vet's check for, state what they are, how they affect your bird and how they affect you. This informaion was complied by a local avian Veterinarian and is not just "hear say"
1.Avian Polyoma Virus:
~AKA 'Budgie Fledgling Disease'
~Highly infectious, affects all parrot species, though most have unapparent infections. Predominates in nested Macaws, Conures, Eclectus, Ringnecks, Lovebirds and Budgies
~Budgies (< few weeks of age) = sudden death or death after brief illness. Older Budgies abnormal feathers can be seen. Some may clear themselves of the virus, while others remain constant shedders of the virus (and therefore pass it on to any bird it comes into contact with). The younger the bird, the more severe the disease.
~In other birds = acute death, or transient, unapparent infection.
There is no cure. Control involves a vaccination and minimizing exposure. Blood sample needed for testing.
2. Pacheco's Disease
~ fatal disease caused by a Herpes virus
~affects many species including but not limited to; Amazons, Greys, Cockatoos, Conures, Budgies and Cockatiels
~birds die suddenly or show non-specific signs such as lethargy, anorexia, ruffled feathers, sinusitis and intermittent green/yellow diarrhea. In final stages there can be tremors and seizures.
~stress activates virus. Any bird which survives an outbreak should be considered resistant and a carrier of the virus.
~parents can spread virus to offspring.
Treatment: huamn antiviral drug.
Control: good husbandry and a closed flock, vaccine available in the US
~ blood sample needed for testing.
Information taken from "Avian Diseases" by Dr. Julie Deroo HBSc., DVM 2002
I would like to introduce the 4 main bird diseases that Vet's check for, state what they are, how they affect your bird and how they affect you. This informaion was complied by a local avian Veterinarian and is not just "hear say"
1.Avian Polyoma Virus:
~AKA 'Budgie Fledgling Disease'
~Highly infectious, affects all parrot species, though most have unapparent infections. Predominates in nested Macaws, Conures, Eclectus, Ringnecks, Lovebirds and Budgies
~Budgies (< few weeks of age) = sudden death or death after brief illness. Older Budgies abnormal feathers can be seen. Some may clear themselves of the virus, while others remain constant shedders of the virus (and therefore pass it on to any bird it comes into contact with). The younger the bird, the more severe the disease.
~In other birds = acute death, or transient, unapparent infection.
There is no cure. Control involves a vaccination and minimizing exposure. Blood sample needed for testing.
2. Pacheco's Disease
~ fatal disease caused by a Herpes virus
~affects many species including but not limited to; Amazons, Greys, Cockatoos, Conures, Budgies and Cockatiels
~birds die suddenly or show non-specific signs such as lethargy, anorexia, ruffled feathers, sinusitis and intermittent green/yellow diarrhea. In final stages there can be tremors and seizures.
~stress activates virus. Any bird which survives an outbreak should be considered resistant and a carrier of the virus.
~parents can spread virus to offspring.
Treatment: huamn antiviral drug.
Control: good husbandry and a closed flock, vaccine available in the US
~ blood sample needed for testing.
Information taken from "Avian Diseases" by Dr. Julie Deroo HBSc., DVM 2002