Most common bird diseases: Parrot, Treatment

Written by: Petrus Van Tonder

December 17, 2022

Updated on August 16, 2024

Petrus Van Tonder

Content creator for pets and all birds.

Birds can suffer from various diseases, which can affect their health and well-being. Recognizing the signs of common diseases can help bird owners provide timely care and treatment. Here’s an overview of some of the most common bird diseases, their symptoms, causes, and possible treatments.

1. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever)

Cause:

• Bacterium: Chlamydia psittaci
• Transmission: Through inhalation of dust from feathers, secretions, or droppings of infected birds.

Symptoms:

• Respiratory distress
• Nasal discharge
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: Such as doxycycline.
• Isolation: Infected birds should be isolated to prevent the spread of the disease.

2. Avian Influenza

Cause:

• Virus: Avian influenza virus (AIV), commonly known as bird flu.

Symptoms:

• Respiratory distress
• Swelling of the head and neck
• Nasal discharge
• Decreased egg production
• Sudden death

Treatment:

• Prevention: Vaccination and biosecurity measures.
• Control: Infected birds often need to be culled to prevent outbreaks.

3. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD)

Cause:

• Virus: Circovirus

Symptoms:

• Abnormal feather development
• Feather loss
• Beak deformities
• Immunosuppression leading to secondary infections

Treatment:

• No cure: Supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent secondary infections.
• Isolation: Prevents transmission to other birds.

4. Aspergillosis

Cause:

• Fungus: Aspergillus species
• Transmission: Inhalation of fungal spores from contaminated environments (e.g., damp bedding or feed).

Symptoms:

• Respiratory distress
• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Voice change

Treatment:

• Antifungal medications: Such as itraconazole.
• Environmental control: Remove sources of mold and keep the living area dry and clean.

5. Candidiasis

Cause:

• Fungus: Candida albicans
• Transmission: Often occurs when birds are stressed or immunocompromised.

Symptoms:

• White patches in the mouth and throat
• Regurgitation
• Diarrhea
• Lethargy

Treatment:

• Antifungal medications: Such as nystatin or fluconazole.
• Hygiene: Improve sanitation and reduce stress factors.

6. Mycoplasmosis

Cause:

• Bacterium: Mycoplasma species

Symptoms:

• Respiratory distress
• Nasal discharge
• Swelling around the eyes
• Conjunctivitis

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: Such as tylosin or doxycycline.
• Environmental management: Improve ventilation and reduce stress.

7. Avian Pox

Cause:

• Virus: Avipoxvirus
• Transmission: Through direct contact with infected birds or through mosquito bites.

Symptoms:

• Wart-like lesions on the skin, particularly on the face and legs
• Diphtheritic lesions in the mouth and throat

Treatment:

• Supportive care: To manage symptoms.
• Prevention: Mosquito control and vaccination.

8. Newcastle Disease

Cause:

• Virus: Newcastle disease virus (NDV)

Symptoms:

• Respiratory distress
• Neurological signs (tremors, paralysis)
• Drop in egg production
• Sudden death

Treatment:

• Prevention: Vaccination and strict biosecurity measures.
• Control: Infected birds often need to be culled to prevent outbreaks.

9. Bumblefoot

Cause:

• Bacterial infection: Typically caused by Staphylococcus bacteria.
• Cause: Due to injury or poor hygiene leading to infection of the foot pad.

Symptoms:

• Swelling of the foot
• Redness and warmth
• Ulceration
• Lameness

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: To treat infection.
• Surgery: May be needed to remove abscesses.
• Environmental modification: Improve perches and sanitation.

10. Giardia

Cause:

• Parasite: Giardia species

Symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Lethargy

Treatment:

• Antiparasitic medications: Such as metronidazole.
• Hygiene: Improve sanitation to prevent reinfection.

Prevention Tips

• Quarantine New Birds: Isolate new arrivals for at least 30 days to monitor for signs of illness.
• Regular Health Checks: Schedule regular veterinary visits for early detection of health issues.
• Proper Nutrition: Provide a balanced diet to boost immune function.
• Clean Environment: Maintain a clean living space to prevent the spread of pathogens.
• Stress Reduction: Minimize stress through proper socialization and environmental enrichment.

By understanding these common bird diseases and their symptoms, bird owners can take proactive steps to ensure the health and well-being of their feathered companions. If you suspect your bird is ill, consult a veterinarian experienced in avian care for diagnosis and treatment.

Molecular Diagnostic Services (MDS) test for the following most common bird diseases:

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease Virus (PBFDV)

PBFDV is a devastating and highly infectious viral disease caused by a circovirus. The most common symptom is progressive feather loss involving malformed feathers. As such feather changes may also be caused by other factors, testing of samples for the virus is critical to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, some birds show no symptoms (asymptomatic carriers), and only by testing can one establish that they are infected. PBFDV can cause significant losses in aviary settings and strict control measures, in addition to testing, is the best tool that can assist facilities to remain free of PBFDV infection.

Suitable sample types: Whole blood (EDTA or filter blot), cloacal swab, tissue (liver), feather.
Unsuitable sample types: Serum

Avian Polyoma Virus (APV)

APV was first recognized in the early 1980s and was called Budgerigar Fledgling Disease Virus. Subsequently, the virus was found to infect many different species of psittacine birds (parrots) and thus it is generally the convention to call it APV.
Disease and death are generally confined to nestlings between 10 and 25 days of age.

At death, birds are found to be stunted, have abnormal feather development, skin discoloration, abdominal distension, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), enlargement of the liver with localized areas of hepatic necrosis (cell death), and/or scattered areas of haemorrhage. In some outbreaks, the virus attacks the cerebellum (a portion of the brain) and these birds will show head tremors. Not every bird infected with APV will die. Some survivors will never become outwardly ill and will show no signs of infection. Other nestlings will fail to develop their primary and secondary wing feathers and/or their tail feathers.

Suitable sample types: Whole blood or blood spotted on an MDS collection kit, tissue, aspirate, or swab.

Bird diseases – Avian Bornavirus

Avian bornaviruses are RNA viruses that were first described in 2008 when
they were shown to be the causal agents of proventricular dilatation disease
(PDD) in psittacine birds (parrots). The clinical presentation of this disease
varies with the individual as well as in the severity of those symptoms. Often the
symptoms include a gastrointestinal component, but often birds suffering from
this disease will present with neurologic signs as well. Muscle wasting and a
generalized poor body condition are usually found as well.

Suitable sample types: If the bird is alive, blood feather is the preferred sample
type, otherwise EDTA whole blood/blood on an MDS collection kit. If the bird is
deceased, tissue/skin is the preferred sample type.

Pachecos Disease Virus (PDV)

PDV, also called avian herpes virus is transmitted through infected feces
and nasal discharge. PDV remains remarkably stable outside the host
body in dust or aerosol. This dust or aerosol contaminates the air that is
then inhaled by another possible host. Contaminated surfaces, food, and
drinking water may also contribute to the spread of the disease.

Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, ruffled feathers, sinusitis, anorexia,
conjunctivitis, and tremors in the neck, wings, and legs.

Birds can be asymptomatic carriers of PDV. Some believe that any bird
that has survived an outbreak of the disease should be considered a
possible carrier. PDV can be reactivated when the bird is under stress
such as during breeding, loss of mate, or environmental changes. Once it
is reactivated the virus is shed in large numbers in the feces of the
infected bird.

Suitable sample types: Whole blood, feces, or liver biopsy
Unsuitable sample types: Serum

Chlamydiaceae species bird diseases

The Chlamydiaceae are a family of gram-negative, microorganisms, belonging to the phylum Chlamydiae, order Chlamydiales. These microorganisms cause disease in both humans and animals. Most infections occur through the inhalation of infectious aerosols. While the disease from psittacine birds is best known, the infection in poultry is of particular concern as transmission to humans is possible during the handling and slaughtering of the birds. Human infections vary from inapparent to severe systemic diseases with interstitial pneumonia and
encephalitis. Infected humans typically develop headaches, chills, malaise, and myalgia, with or without signs of respiratory involvement. Pulmonary involvement is common.

Suitable sample types: A cloacal or cloanal swab is required to identify those birds actively shedding the virus. An ocular swab is also acceptable. A whole blood sample either in an EDTA blood tube or on an MDS Collection Kit is suitable to detect systemic or latent infection. Tissue samples (liver and spleen) are also
suitable. For species, other than avian, acceptable sample types include swabs, tissue, fetal material, EDTA whole blood.

Unsuitable sample types: Serum

Pigeon Circovirus

Pigeon circovirus is a DNA virus that affects pigeons and is closely related to
PBFDV. It can compromise the birds’ immune system making them more
susceptible to other infections. Transmission of the virus can occur both
horizontally and vertically. Birds infected with circovirus suffer mainly from
secondary infections leading to weight loss, diarrhea, and loss of appetite,
often dying within 2-5 days and is associated with ‘Young Pigeon Disease
Syndrome (YPDS).

Suitable sample types: Whole blood, feces, or liver biopsy
Unsuitable sample types: Serum

Avian DNA Sexing (SANAS Accredited)

For successful breeding purposes or curiosity, the gender of a bird is
required. The Avian DNA sexing test offered by MDS targets the sex
chromosomes of a bird to determine whether the bird is male or
female. Their test is both sensitive and specific and can be performed
from the first day after hatching.

They have multiple Avian DNA sexing assays to assist us to accurately
sexing the thousands of avian species in the world today. It is therefore
essential to indicate the species of the bird being tested for DNA
sexing so that the correct assay is used for that species.

Suitable sample types: Whole blood or blood spotted on MDS
collection kits. Feather and eggshells can also be used, but are not
preferred sample types as feathers often do not have enough genetic
material, especially if they are not plucked and eggshell testing is only
reliable if a male is detected, female results could just indicate
maternal contamination.
Unsuitable sample types: Non-cellular sample type e.g. Serum.

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Petrus Van Tonder

Content creator for pets and all birds.