As im aware many people have either read, heard or posted on a previous topic "French Molt or Very Buff"

this topical forum was closed due to an argument that arose but was off the topic.

i am opening this new post for all those who want to find out more on this topic and find out the results for the tests that fluffy had done.

if anyone (Daz) has the results it would be great to share them,

also itd be great to get some background into Feather Dusters and find out if it is possible to breed a non diformic version of them so that in the future they could become a new pet....possible? who knows.

 

Thanks for reading

 

Sco-tie

Edited November 2, 200618 yr by Sco-tie

Thanks Sco-tie I had considered reopening the old one but this is better.

 

Fluffy was checked by an Avarian Vet this afternoon. The Brisbane Bird Vet. The prognosis is more likely Feather Duster.

I requested bloods to be done to rule out PBFD and Polyovirus (S). The bloods are being sent to South Africa for analysis. I will here back in minimum two weeks.

Fluffy and his "Family" will be under quarentine control till then.

 

Quarentine control in an avairy is different to Normal Quarentine.

Sco-tie can you explain what that is?

 

I'll be back in 3 hours to continue.

How come they have to go all the way to South Africa??? Seems insane when there are perfectly good avian vets and stuff in Australia.

Quarentine control in an avairy is different to Normal Quarentine.

Sco-tie can you explain what that is?

 

i'm not sure what you mean by that Daz but in my views,

Quarantine of an aviary is to Quarantine all birds and objects within the aviary, and to control everything that goes into it, thus keeping it "pure" so to speak. if nothing gets in nothing can break out and spread.

 

and normal Quarantine Implies a single bird in a single cage that is cleaned Hygienically and the bird is often medicated/ treated for basics i.e worms, mites etc. this would be used in a situation such as bringing in a new bird.

also Like Bea i'm also wondering why it had to be sent over to South Africa, seems weird when it could be life threatening, and also since budgerigars are native to Australia.

 

hope this is what you were implying

thanks, Sco-tie

From what I have been told most of the bloods for thesze desease are being sent to South Africa.There is a test done for DNA recognition of these two deseases. It cost me $165.00au to have these tests caried out.

 

Any way I couldn't wait. I have been discussing the bird with the original breeder and he's had a look at him. He has confirmed Feather Duster. As of Polyomavirus and PBFD he has never had it in his current aviary.

 

I have strick Quarrentine proceedures for bringing in birds. So it is low risk that it could be that as another issue. But???!!! I will not risk the other birds further.

 

Internal Quarrentine in an avairy is where by the Possible Bird or birds are segregated from the flock and are attended to last. It is a low level quarrentine. I must feed and water them last. Touch them last and make sure hands and clothes are washed before touching the other birds.

 

Now before any one jumps up and down that the birds should be removed lets look at the facts.

• The Chick was hatched and Raised in a Breed Room for the last 38 days.
  
• It has been in contact with the parents, Its sister and the other chick.
  
• The Family has been in an area with the other birds for the last 38 days.
  
• I've had no incoming birds during that time to influeance the flock.
  

The Vet also agrees that moving the family would be too late. But not to have them interacte at a high level than they are doing until the test results return.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

Psittacine Beak and Feather Dystrophy (PBFD)

 

Symptoms: abnormal molts, feathers dystrophic, beak dystrophic, and/or claws dystrophic

 

Description: Psittacine Beak and Feather Dystrophy (PBFD) may occur as an acute disease with loss of all actively growing feathers over a few days, followed by death or partial or complete recovery. It may also appear as a chronic, progressive disease characterized by repeated replacement of feathers and quills by deformed, twisted, dystrophic quills that fail to mature and are shed prematurely, with death resulting from secondary causes.

 

Treatment: There is currently no reliable cure for this disorder.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

Polyomavirus (PVD)

 

 

Polyomavirus - This virus, also referred to as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease is a member of the papovavirus family. Polyoma virus 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

 

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Treatment: No known treatment at this time.

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

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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.

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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.

 

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

Edited November 2, 200618 yr by daz

Oh dear how sad. What will you do with this breeding pair now just keep them as pets or find alternative pets homes for them. You obviously wont be breeding them again due to what possible offspring they can produce. Send them to me I'll take care of them!!

Hi Boomberry, I don't have the breeding pair. I was given 4 eggs. They were fostered to a pair that had some clear eggs.

 

I have notified the breeder that owns the original breeding pair.

 

I believe that Fluffy doesn't have PBFD or PVD.

He doesn't have any of the symptoms. But its best for the flock to check.

I think he is very unfortunate.

Edited November 2, 200618 yr by daz

Daz thank you for the update

Do you have more updated pics of Fluffy and are you going to keep him as your pet? If so would you mind doing a journal of some sort of at least an update on him I think it would be very benefical for others who breed or not.

 

Thank you.

Hi Lovey I will be keeping him. Unless some one special wants him. He will have to take up residenance in the nursary as a perminant.

 

I'll try to keep you up to date.

that would be wonderful thank you

Oh I see good thing you told whoever have his Mummy and Daddy. It would be devastating if anymore like Fluffy should come along this is bad enough.

 

Im sure you will take good care of him for however long he has with you. Give him extra special things every single day.

:hap: Thanks Daz for letting us all know and so very glad that you will make Fluffy's life comfortable and happy for as long as he has.

Just to keep you up to date with Fluffy.

 

This is a photo I just took.

 

Usually he is not far from the seed tray. A lot of times he will lay with his head in the seed eating.

Poor little mite, when he was just a little chick did you see any indication that something was wrong?

No as a chick he starter to look outstanding. Had all the right features to be a great bird... but just didn't stop.

wow he sure is getting ......feathery

Daz thank you for the picture and update please keep them coming though it is devestating if people didn't write about these things no one would be educated. That is why we know so much about other topics in life and not so much in others. How is his personality toward you?

I know this may not be a possibility but cant you trim the feathers especially around the beak and face so he can eat and see properly.

Has feather duster been confirmed? It certainly looks that way from the picture! I see a big difference in the feathers now.

I know this may not be a possibility but cant you trim the feathers especially around the beak and face so he can eat and see properly.

 

Hi Boomberry he has no problem with eating, The problem is with the others trying to eat. He is a bit aggressive towards them.

 

 

Has feather duster been confirmed? It certainly looks that way from the picture! I see a big difference in the feathers now.

 

Yes it is confermed. He is a feather duster. I am just waiting on the results of the dna test for other problems if any. The Avairian Vet says she doesn't think there is any other problems but for the flock sake I still had the tests done.

 

He currently is 47 days old.

:ausb: Thanks for updating us Daz. Glad he is eating well but like Boomsberry said is there any way you can make him see better? Maybe that's part of why he is overly aggressive with the food.

If nothing else, I imagine regular feather trims would make Fluffy more comfortable. Maybe you could take him inside to monitor him more? He might get more out of a mostly fresh food diet since seeds are a bit more nutrient-sparse. Maybe a high protein food like a pellet would help replenish the energy he's losing from the rapid feather growing? Just trying to think of anything that might prolong his life and make it easier.

I guess that as Daz feeds all his birds better than I eat he will be fine nutrition-wise.

You know what Pie. I was thinking as I prepared their morning breakfast excatly that. My birds probibly eat better than I do. ...... he says and he sips his Crown larger :ausb:

Oh Daz.. its so sad but he is blessed to be with you :ausb: He is the most adorable little bird, wish i could come on over and give him a little snuggle. Keep his pictures coming so i can continue with my fluffy fix (he is so sweet) or better still whip him into a box and send him up my way ..

Thank you heaps for continuing posting about him, I have been not in here for a little while but well wishes and thoughs of darling little Fluffy haven't been far from my mind.. He is looking Great Daz, you are doing a wonderful job with him {{Hugs}}

Cheers :beer:

Una