Parrots - information for rescue

and care

December 3, 2018

SIGNS OF ILLNESS IN BIRDS

diseases

If you have any concerns Please contact your Avian Vet

Inactivity
Eyes closed most of the time
Feathers fluffed all of the time
Droopy wings
Low, almost horizontal posture on perch
Talking and singing stops
Eating stops
Noisy breathing
Frequent sneezing
Discharge from the nares
Tail bobbing with each breath
Perching with neck extended and beak grasping wire of cage (this posture keeps passages straight to ease
breathing)
Vomiting
Siled or pasted vent
Feathers lost and not replaced
Bleeding
Weight loss
Swelling
Changes in water consumption
Changes in routine and habits
Change in droppings
Change in activity level
Decrease in preening
Frequent flicking of head
Remaining on bottom of Cage
Self mutilation
Regression

Situations Requiring Immediate Vet Attention:

Gasping for breath
Voice changes
Bleeding that you can’t stop – heavy bleeding
Convulsions
Ingestion of TOXIC material
Ingestion of a sharp or foreign object
Constriction of legs, feet or toes that is causing swelling below the constriction
Moderate to sever dehydration

Shock – very sleepy – unresponsive – cool or cold extremities

— Diseases —
Any body who operates a rescue, needs to make sure all birds coming in seeing an avian vet. If
they are not a vet, they should not make the decision as to what parrot gets to see the vet. Many
avian vets give rescues discounts. Rescues that say it is impossible to take each and every bird
coming in to the vet, need to believe why they rescue in the first place. With all the diseases
that are out there. Most airborne, we at Freedom Flights, know it is our responsibly to make
sure if we adopt out a bird, that the bird is checked by the avian vet.

Below, our avian vet could test for these diseases if he felt it needed to be done. This not only
protects the parrots, but if they get fostered out to a home with other birds, people will know
that we have taken all the necessary steps possible.

Chlamydia
Chlamydia Psittaci

Also referred to as Psittacosis, Parrot Fever or Chlamydiosis. The word Psittacosis comes from
the Greek word Psittakos, meaning parrot. Chlamydia are gram negative, spherical, (0.4-0.6
micron diameter), intracellular parasites that people sometimes referred to as “energy
parasites” because they use ATP (a crucial energy containing metabolite) produced by the host
cell, hence, the term “energy parasites”.

Incubation periods in caged birds vary from days to weeks and longer. Most commonly this
period is approximately 3 to 10 days. Latent infections are common and active disease may
occur several years after exposure. The incubation period of this disease is however difficult to
assess due to these chronically infected birds that develop persistent, asymptomatic
infections.

In birds, C. psittaci may manifest itself as an upper respiratory infection with nasal, and or
ocular discharge, diarrhea, or a combination of all three. In some cases, birds may be infected
but show no signs. These cases are of concern because these birds may become carriers and
shed the organism.

A major concern with C. psittaci is the zoonotic potential of the organism. A zoonotic disease
is an infection which can be transmitted from animals to humans. C. psittaci is also one of the
major causes of infectious abortion in sheep and cattle.

* C. psittaci is related to Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common human STD, and
Chlamydia pneumonia, a cause of human pneumonia. Chlamydia pneumonia is also being
investigated as possibly being associated with cardiovascular disease in humans.

Transmission

Transmission of this organism from one host to another is primarily through the air. The
bacteria is shed from an infected bird in the nasal and or ocular secretions, fecal material, and
feather dust. The organism remains remarkably stable outside the host body and dries as a dusty
substance.

This dust or aerosol contaminates the air that is then inhaled by another possible host.
Susceptibility as well as the amount of contamination determine whether or not the new host
becomes infected with the disease. Vertical transmission through the egg has been shown in
domesticated ducks.

The disease has a greater chance of spreading in overcrowded conditions, stale air
environments, nest-boxes, and brooders. Pet shops, bird marts, and quarantine stations are also
high risk areas.

* Transmission of the Chlamydial organism from birds to humans has been confirmed in a
number of cases. Although psittacosis infection in humans is rare it is potentially dangerous for
persons who are sick, elderly, immunosuppressed (e.g., HIV patients) or pregnant. These people
should consult their doctor for more information concerning Chlamydia psittaci.

Symptoms

In young birds clinical sings can include rough plumage, low body temperature, tremor,
lethargy, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, emaciation, sinusitis, yellow to greenish droppings or grayish
watery droppings may also be displayed.

Adult birds may develop symptoms such as tremors, lethargy, ruffled feathers, progressive
weight loss, greenish diarrhea, occasional conjunctivitis, and high levels of urates in droppings.
Birds infected with Chlamydia may develop one or several of these symptoms as the disease
progresses.

Clinical changes associated with a Chlamydia infection include WBC elevated 2-3 times, HCT
decreased 25-40%, SGOT elevated at least 2-3 times the normal levels, LDH elevated by at least
20%, and AST elevated by at least 2-3 times the normal limit. Other, more slight changes can
occur in blood hematology and chemistry.

* In humans: abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath,
malaise, myalgia, and conjunctivitis can occur as a result of a Chlamydia infection.

Prevention

Preventing the organism from entering your facility is the best method of prevention. Test and
quarantine all new birds before entering them in your aviary; avoid bird marts and bird fares
where the disease can spread. Commonsense hygiene includes the removal of fecal material,
and quality air circulation.

Treatment

Most treatments involve the use of tetracycline and its derivatives such as Vibramycin,
Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline. The antibiotic can be given by intravenous or intramuscular
injections. Antibiotics can also be given orally or mixed with palatable food. Treatment periods
generally last about 45 days varying slightly depending on the treatment.

* Calcium should be withheld because tetracycline binds to calcium. Citric acid in the bird’s
drinking water can increase the levels of antibiotics in the blood.

In humans, tetracycline and its derivatives are generally an effective treatment for Chlamydia.

Diagnosis

Fecal analysis, blood analysis, immunoflourescent testing, as well as PCR and nested PCR testing
are excellent tool to help determine a Chlamydial infection.

Sample

When testing individual birds, a whole blood sample is recommended in conjunction with a
cloacal and/or throat swab when possible. If the sample tests positive the bird should be placed
in quarantine and treatment should be begun immediately.

Postmortem swabs or samples of liver, spleen, or kidney tissuein a sterile container may also
be submitted.

Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes, etc.
is extremely effective in determining the presence of Chlamydia psittaci DNA in the
environment.

Handling

Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a

padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.

Pacheco’s
Pacheco’s disease

This disease is caused by a number of closely related members of the herpesviridae.

Herpesviruses are 120 to 220 nm in diameter and their genome has a double stranded DNA
structure. Replication of the virus occurs in the nucleus of a cell. These viruses primarily infect
lymphatic tissue (B or T cells), skin (epithelial cells) and nerve cells.

PDV was first recognized in Brazil where aviculturalists began seeing birds dying only a few
days after becoming ill. The virus can start shedding in the feces and nasal discharge of an
infected bird in as little as 3-7 days after infection. Considered highly contagious, PDV can
spread rapidly through an aviary.

Often, the first sign that the disease is present is when a new bird is introduced to an aviary and
healthy birds begin mysteriously dying. Pacheco’s disease is often fatal and affects psittacines
of all ages. New World psittacines seem to be more susceptible to the disease than Old World
psittacines.

Transmission

Transmission of PDV is generally through infected feces and nasal discharge. PDV remains
remarkably stable outside the host body as a 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.

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

Symptoms

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

Fecal material may become discolored with urates becoming green indicating possible liver
damage has occurred. Birds generally die from massive liver necrosis characterized by an
enlarged liver, spleen and kidneys. However, some birds die suddenly with no specific or
observable symptoms.

Seemingly healthy birds often die quickly from Pacheco’s disease. Generally stress associated
with relocation, breeding, loss of mate or climate changes can activate the virus and result in
activation of the disease and it’s symptoms as well as shedding large numbers of the virus in
the feces.

Prevention

Isolate all birds shedding PDV. Disinfect all contaminated surfaces with an oxidizer such as
chlorine bleach (as Pacheco’s virus is resistant to many disinfectants, alcohol does not work
because it is not an oxidizer). It is also important to replace all air filters and clean vents and fan
blades.

A killed virus vaccine is available and can be given in a series of two injections, 4 weeks apart
(yearly booster shots are required). Some species, such as cockatoos and Eclectus parrots, have
had vaccination reactions such as granulomas and paralysis. Additionally, the vaccine may not
protect against all forms of PDV. Only birds with high risk of exposure, such as pet store
birds, should be vaccinated.

Quarantine all new birds for 30-60 days and use PCR testing to determine whether or not birds
are infected. Isolate birds who have been exposed to Pacheco’s virus.

Treatment

Acyclovir is effective against some strains of Pacheco’s but may cause kidney damage.
Acyclovir works best when treatment is started before symptoms appear.

Diagnosis

PCR and sequence testing for specific PDV DNA; histopathology.

Sample

In live birds please submit both a blood sample and a cloacal swab sample for each bird.

The Virus can be isolated from tissue samples of the liver, spleen or kidney submitted in a
sterile container.

Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes, etc. is
extremely effective when in determining the presence of Pacheco’s virus DNA in the
environment.

Handling

Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C, (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a

padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.

Beak and Feather

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

The virus causing this disease is a member of the Circoviridae. The molecular structure of the
genome of the virus is roughly a 2,000 base, circular, single stranded DNA. PBFD virus has a
strong resemblance to Porcine Circovirus as well as to a number of plant viruses such as the
Banana Bunchy virus.

The disease is thought to be specific for psittacines and all psittacine species should be
considered susceptible. Parrots known to be particularly affected by PBFD include, but are not
limited to Cockatoos, Macaws African Grey Parrots, Ringneck parakeets, Eclectus Parrots,
Lovebirds.

Causes fatal infections

Primarily in young birds. Older birds may overcome the disease with few lasting affects. Some
believe that these surviving birds become carriers able to shed the disease at a later date.
Others believe that a percentage of birds are able to eradicate the disease from their system
leaving them with a natural immunity that can be passed on to their offspring.

The virus that causes PBFD can also affect the liver, brain, and immune system causing
diminished resistance to infections. Consequently premature death usually occurs from these
secondary bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infections.

Transmission

Transmission of the virus from one individual to another is primarily through direct contact,
inhalation or ingestion of aerosols, crop-feeding, infected fecal material, and feather dust. The
virus can also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces such as bird carriers, feeding formula,
utensils, food dishes, clothing, and nesting materials. The viral particles, if not destroyed can
remain viable in the environment for months, long after the infected bird is gone.

Symptoms

Symptoms include irreversible loss of feathers, shedding of developing feathers, development

of abnormal feathers, new pinched feathers, and loss of powder down. Other possible
symptoms include overgrown or abnormal beak, symmetrical lesions on the beak and
occasionally nails.

Immunosuppression, rapid weight loss, and depression are also possible in later stages of the
disease. Secondary viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic infections often occurs as a result of
diminished immunity caused by a PBFD viral infection.

Additional symptoms not mentioned above including elevated white cell counts are generally
due to secondary infections and may not be directly related to PBFD virus infections.

Prevention

Strict isolation of all diseased birds to halt the the spread of the disease. DNA testing of all
birds of susceptible species to rule out latent infection. DNA testing of aviary equipment and
environment to test for possible contamination.

Treatment

No known treatment. Experimental vaccines are being developed.

Diagnosis

Skin biopsy, surgical biopsy of feather and shaft, or PCR testing of blood, swab, and feather
samples.

PBFD

This should be considered in any bird suffering from abnormal feather loss or development. A
biopsy of the abnormal feathers including the calimus (shaft) of the feather can be examined
for signs of virus. However, since the PBFD virus does not affect all feathers simultaneously
this method of evaluating a sample may have a high degree of error. Additionally, birds with
PBFD can have normal feathers and the PCR test is the most effective method available for
detecting the virus in birds before feather lesions develop.

Some birds infected with the virus, test positive, but never show clinical signs. Other birds
which test positive may develop an immune response sufficient enough to fight off the
infection and test negative after 30-90 days. Therefore, it is recommended to re-test all PBFD
positive birds 60-90 days after the initial testing was completed. If the second sample remains
positive, the bird should be considered permanently infected and can be expected to show
clinical symptoms of the disease.

Sample

To test an individual bird a whole blood sample is recommended in conjunction with a cloacal
swab or feathers (especially abnormal or suspicious-looking feathers) when possible. If the
sample tests positive the bird should be placed in quarantine and re-tested after 4-6 weeks. If
the bird tests negative the second time a third test after 4-6 weeks is recommended.

Post-mortem samples include liver, spleen, kidney, feather samples in a sterile container;
postmortem swabs may also be submitted.

Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes, etc. is
extremely effective in determining the presence of PBFD DNA in the environment.

* It is recommenced to submit both a whole blood and cloacal swab sample for analysis when
possible.

Handling

Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a

padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.

Polyomavirus
What is Polyomavirus?

This virus, also referred to as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease is a member of the papovavirus
family. Polyomavirus is a 40-50 nm diameter in size, containing a double-stranded DNA
genome of approximately 5000 basepairs.

This pathogen is considered one of the most significant threats to cage birds around the world.
This highly infectious disease effects most if not all parrot species. Polyoma seems to be most
problematic among neonates (young birds) between the ages 14-56 days. Young birds often die,
while adult birds can develop a certain level of immunity. Polyoma is believed to have an
incubation period of approximately two weeks or less.

Transmission

The disease can spread from one bird to another via feather dust, feces, aerosols and parental
feeding of chicks; direct contact or contact with infected environments (incubators, nest
boxes)..

Birds that are infected but do not have obvious signs of infection are often responsible for
spreading the virus to an aviary or bird store.

Carrier state maybe possible in adult birds.

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, depression, loss of appetite, anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying,
regurgitation, diarrhea, dehydration, feather abnormalities hemorrhages under the skin,
dyspnea, polyuria, ataxia, tremors, paralysis, acute death.

Some birds die without any clinical symptoms. Adult birds may die of secondary infection from
bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic pathogen.

Prevention

Isolate all birds shedding the disease. Disinfect all contaminated surfaces with an oxidizer such
as chlorine bleach (Polyoma virus is resistant to many disinfectants).

* Alcohol does not work as it is not an oxidizer.

A vaccine is available, however this option may cost as much as $40-60 per bird: additionally
booster shots are required each year and the effectiveness of the vaccine in younger birds is in
question.

Quarantine all new birds and use nested primer PCR testing to determine whether or not birds
are infected.

Treatment

No known treatment at this time.

Diagnosis

Nested primer PCR testing, and sequence analysis of PDV DNA; histopathology.

Sample

When testing individual birds, a whole blood sample is recommend in conjunction with a
cloacal swab when possible. If the sample tests positive, then the bird should be placed in
quarantine and re-tested in 4-6 weeks. If the bird tests negative the second time, then a third
test is recommended.

Post mortem samples of liver, spleen, or kidney tissue in a sterile container, postmortem swabs
may also be submitted.

Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes etc. is
extremely effective in determining the presence of Polyoma DNA in the environment.

It is recommenced to submit both a whole blood and cloacal swab sample for analysis when
possible.

Handling

Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a

padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.

Limitations

Vaccination of birds using a killed virus or DNA vaccine prior to testing does not affect the
accuracy of a PCR test.

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