Australian Parrots

This disease affects the birds’ immune system cells and the cells that develop their beak and feathers, slowly causing them to lose their feathers and their beaks become brittle and deformed. The birds also become vulnerable to all other infections due to the depleted immune system. Young birds under a year are believed to be most susceptible and are more likely to eventually die as a result of the infection. They will often also suffer from fatigue, diarrhoea and weight loss.

“A vaccine has been developed which protects psittacine birds from infection by the virus. Two injections, four to six weeks apart, must be given. Birds vaccinated in 1991 are still resistant to challenge by the virus.”

Sadly no treatment is currently available for this disease but much research is being undertaken through out Australia. A DNA test is available to detect the disease in infected birds. If you suspect your bird might be infected, you veterinarian can take a blood sample and send it away for diagnosis.

I don’t want to get peoples hopes up to high due to the high mortality of this disease but when I research the disease I did come across stories of some parrots not only surviving the disease but apparently they have completely recovered from it. Click here to read a heart felt story about Sweetpea’s struggle with PBFD and ultimate recovery. Apparently some older birds that have been tested positive have show no effects but they so remain carriers for the disease.

Many Infected birds do however live long and happy lives, some owners even knit them little jumpers if their birds loss too many feathers. I provided my girl with her own heating lamp. Due to their weak immune systems they need especially good care and hygiene. An infected bird must be isolated to prevent any contact with other parrots as this is a highly contagious disease which is transmitted though faeces and feather powder. Take great care when you personally come into contact with other parrots, make sure you change your cloths and wash thoroughly. This is a very resistant disease and is know to survive many disinfectants. It can lay dormant in an old cage for years, so it is best to destroy any of the bird’s possessions to prevent inflecting another parrot. This virus occurs in both wild and pet birds.

References: (Viewing date – 22^nd June 2008)
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/p-c-disease/index.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive/publications/p-c-disease/pubs/p-c-disease.pdf
http://www.parrotsociety.org.au/articles/art_007.htm
http://www.petalia.com.au/Templates/StoryTemplate_Process.cfm?Story_No=281
http://www.geocities.com/~calliefeather/sweetpea.html