My husband has 20 or so Princess Parrots. Recently he got new ones brought in from over east of Australia. One ( a white princess hen ) arrive with head feathers missing and it was determined by the seller and my husband that she had rubbed them off in the transport box, as the transport box was very small.

Almost immediately she also seemed to have trouble flying and perching and this was put down to her travel experience and the fact she was very young. I worked out she had a lung infection due to very rattly chesty breathing noises and took her to our avian vet. He said she had upper and lower respiratory infections and may have scarred lungs lower down where she had maybe some necrotic lung tissue due to possible aspirated feed as a baby. She was put on baytril for weeks...two courses. No change.

Next thing was it was determined that she may be carrying beak and feather disease and that the lung infections were the secondary issues due to reduced immunity from the beak and feather. Beak and feather also accounts for first signs which are missing head feathers, and scrappy weak growth of new feathers. Before the testing the vet decided to try a vitamin A injection as that also can display the feather issues. The vitamin A injection made little difference.

Meanwhile in the aviary some younger parrots who had just moulted were showing signs of new feathers coming through as base colour. That is white feathers coming in on the blue birds and yellow feathers coming in on the green birds....three birds were affected in this way. Another sign of active beak and feather disease. There should be no white feathers on the body or wings of a blue bird. No yellow feathers on body or wings of a green bird.

Photos ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the vet today with the three birds with odd feathering and two others...the white princess parrot .....and a young blue female we had bred that suddenly was losing feathers, and body weight and was very weak.

Diagnosis is beak and feather disease going through the aviary brought in by the white princess parrot youngster. Solution, drastic cull of birds. Cull in this case meaning euthenasia.

So where we are at right now is the five showing symptoms have to be euthenased immediately ( they are now gone, I had to do it myself ) and any displaying odd feathering also have to be culled. Its possible my tamed boy Velcro has to be euthenased as he is displaying one white feather as is also his female companion. The vet says one white feather now could be twenty after next moult showing they are carrying it also. This is really hard. :what: Velcro is my boy...he is so tame and he loves me to bits....he gives kisses and nuzzles me, he follows me around the aviary perimieter when I walk past and he is on me like glue when i enter the aviary.

The worst thing about this is the guy who sold us this white bird appears to have known she had issues. But he is denying all. We were his dumping ground for his dodgy birds or at least the bird affected.

My husband has been suffering depression as his father is seriously ill and his time is limited, and this ongoing battle with diagnosing and caring for the birds has seriously affected him. I have to make the tough decisions. Its kind of like cutting off a gangrenous leg to save the body.

In essence really we should cull the lot ( over $8000 worth of birds ) to be sure. Other choices are we remove them all from the aviary into another holding area and watch and see what happens with next moult. Massive aviary cleanout also. The older ones can apparently fight off the virus and be immune. The younger ones whose immunity levels arent quite as strong are the ones more affected. We have birds in the aviary that look and act fine, but could be carriers.

Our vet says if there is a mature pair that seem in fine health and we want to breed with them later on then we need to test them first. Each test for this is $165.00 per bird.

I am now going through the aviary looking hard at the parrots for signs. I know my favourite parrot may possibly be affected and hesitation on my part may cost lives.

At this stage there is no symtoms going through my budgies. STRICT quarantine measures are in place right now.

Apparently the budgies deal with it better and if affected will show signs like french moult. But that can also be confused with normal french moult issues which occasionally crop up anyway.

This so far has been my day. My husband is at work, I have had the vet visit earlier in the day and just had to euthenase 5 parrots so far. There may be more.

 

 

PS MY husband is severely depressed and he is saying everything he tries to do with his birds turns to MUD

Edited June 4, 200915 yr by KAZ

I can't believe this! It's just such bad new and the timing couldn't be worse. :what: So sorry you and Ken have to deal with this. Just a few questions-

 

Did you quarantine these Eastern parrots before introducing them into Ken's aviary?

 

What are the chances of the Beak and Feather disease jumping the fence into the budgie aviary?

I can't believe this! It's just such bad new and the timing couldn't be worse. :what: So sorry you and Ken have to deal with this. Just a few questions-

 

Did you quarantine these Eastern parrots before introducing them into Ken's aviary?

 

Ken did not quarantine the parrots. He is stubborn that way. Even if he had it may not have shown up as they can carry it and not show symptoms, especially the self colour birds...white bird will not show feather colour changes and a yellow bird wont either. Only way to know is the $165 test per bird and you really have to suspect it or have knowledge of it to begin with.

 

What are the chances of the Beak and Feather disease jumping the fence into the budgie aviary?

 

Could do, but all airflow has been blocked off from the big parrot aviary to the smaller aviary next to it..........we blocked off all airflow when there were first suspicions. If we had it in the budgies there would be signs already. There arent and our vet says budgies are more resilient to beak and feather. I have to take precautions with handling birds and what clothing I wear between aviaries. .

Edited June 4, 200915 yr by KAZ

Oh Kaz I have tears, I am so sorry :what: How simply awful for you both. The timing is terrible.

 

Circovirus is extremely fastitidious in the environment and is shed in feather dander. As you know, very strict hygiene is needed, will need to blast the aviaries with a strong disinfect. I hope the budgies will be safe, as they can carry it and keep infecting your non budgie birds.

 

I can't believe this has happened

 

I hope the losses are kept right down, your pet is safe, and that both you and Ken will be okay. You are all in my thoughts.

I can't believe this! It's just such bad new and the timing couldn't be worse. So sorry you and Ken have to deal with this. Just a few questions-

 

Did you quarantine these Eastern parrots before introducing them into Ken's aviary?

 

Ken did not quarantine the parrots. He is stubborn that way. Even if he had it may not have shown up as they can carry it and not show symptoms, especially the self colour birds...white bird will not show feather colour changes and a yellow bird wont either. Only way to know is the $165 test per bird and you really have to suspect it or have knowledge of it to begin with.

That sucks. I hope you don't lose Velcro.

 

What are the chances of the Beak and Feather disease jumping the fence into the budgie aviary?

 

Could do, but all airflow has been blocked off from the big parrot aviary to the smaller aviary next to it..........we blocked off all airflow when there were first suspicions. If we had it in the budgiues there woulod be signs already. There arent. I have to take precautions with handling birds and clothing.

 

Fingers crossed for you Kaz. :what:

Oh Kaz I have tears, I am so sorry :what: How simply awful for you both. The timing is terrible.

 

Circovirus is extremely fastitidious in the environment and is shed in feather dander. As you know, very strict hygiene is needed, will need to blast the aviaries with a strong disinfect. I hope the budgies will be safe, as they can carry it and keep infecting your non budgie birds.

 

I can't believe this has happened

 

I hope the losses are kept right down, your pet is safe, and that both you and Ken will be okay. You are all in my thoughts.

 

 

I have the waterless handcleaner disinfectant for hands. Can you suggest a strong disinfectant for the aviary ? As we will be moving the parrots into a holding aviary while we clean up the main aviary.

I have the waterless handcleaner disinfectant for hands. Can you suggest a strong disinfectant for the aviary ? As we will be moving the parrots into a holding aviary while we clean up the main aviary.

 

My first thought is a disinfectant called F10, I am not sure where you can get it other than from the vet.

I have the waterless handcleaner disinfectant for hands. Can you suggest a strong disinfectant for the aviary ? As we will be moving the parrots into a holding aviary while we clean up the main aviary.

 

My first thought is a disinfectant called F10, I am not sure where you can get it other than from the vet.

I will check up on that thanks I believe there is one called Virkon S as well.

 

 

 

 

 

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a contagious, fatal viral disease that affects the beak, feathers, and immune system of birds belonging to the Psittacidae family. It was first recognized in 1975 by veterinarians in Australia, where the disease affects wild birds. Although birds showing signs of disease usually die, it is common for birds to be exposed to the virus, develop a mild infection, and recover.

 

What birds are at risk for PBFD?

 

PBFD has been diagnosed in over 40 species of psittacines, mostly in Old World members of the parrot family. PBFD is seen more often in cockatoos, but Eclectus parrots, lovebirds, budgies, and African grey parrots are also affected. Younger birds are more commonly affected, especially with the acute form of the disease. Most birds diagnosed with psittacine beak and feather disease are under 2 years of age.

 

What causes PBFD?

 

PBFD is caused by a DNA virus that affects the cells of the immune system and those that produce the beak and feathers. The virus is a circovirus, which is one of the smallest viruses known to cause disease. A similar virus affects doves and other birds.

 

How is the virus that causes PBFD transmitted?

 

PBFD is extremely contagious. Large amounts of the virus, which can become airborne, are found in the droppings, contents of the crop, and the feather dust of infected birds. The feather dust is easily dispersed and can contaminate food, water, cages, clothing, and other areas of the environment. Psittaccine beak and feather disease is thought to be transmitted by inhalation or ingestion of the virus. It has been suggested that the virus may be transmitted in utero from the female bird to the egg.

 

The incubation period (time between exposure to the virus and the development of signs) can be as short as 3-4 weeks, or up to several years, depending upon the amount of virus transmitted, the age of the bird, the stage of feather development, and the health of the bird's immune system.

 

What are the signs of PBFD?

 

There are both acute and chronic forms of the disease.

 

Peracute/Acute Form: The peracute and acute forms most commonly occur in very young birds, and may begin with signs unrelated to the beak or feathers. Affected birds are often depressed and regurgitate due to crop stasis. They may develop a diarrhea-causing enteritis or pneumonia, and die without displaying any lesions of the feathers or beak. This is often called the peracute form of the disease. In the acute form, juveniles losing their down and developing feathers may have lesions on the feathers, including circular bands around the feathers which constrict the feather at its base. These feathers are often loose, break easily, may bleed, and are very painful.

 

Common Signs of Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease

Acute Form Chronic Form

Depression

Regurgitation and diarrhea

Loss of appetite and weight

Abnormal feather development

Death Loss of feather dust and powder

Abnormal feather development

Abnormal growth and deformities of the beak

Necrotic beak and oral lesions

Secondary infections

Death in months to years

 

Chronic Form: In the chronic form of PBFD, which is more common in older birds, the powder-down feathers are often the first feathers affected. The feathers are fragile and fracture easily, have constricting bands, may hemorrhage, and may be discolored, deformed, or curled. As the feather follicles are damaged, the bird will soon be unable to replace feathers, and the primary, secondary, tail, and crest feathers are lost. Bare skin is exposed, and the normal feather dust is not found on the body or the beak, where it normally accumulates due to preening. Feather abnormalities, often termed "dystrophic feathers," may not appear until the first molt after infection, which could be a period up to 6 months.

 

The beak may develop irregular sunken areas. Brown necrotic areas may be found inside the upper beak, and the beak may elongate, become deformed, and fracture. Secondary beak and oral infections often occur. In some birds, the nails can also be deformed or slough.

 

Mucus in the droppings, or a green tint to the droppings may occur. In some birds, the liver will be affected, and liver failure may be the cause of death.

 

Birds with the chronic form of the disease may live for months to years before dying of a secondary infection. This long period of illness in which the bird may be featherless, and gradually weakens can be very emotionally difficult for owners.

 

How is PBFD diagnosed?

 

The review of the medical history, presence of clinical signs, and observations during the physical exam support the diagnosis of PBFD. Other conditions such as nutritional deficiencies, infection with polyomavirus (causes budgerigar fledgling disease and other diseases of psittacines), hormonal abnormalities, and drug reactions can cause lesions on the feathers similar to PBFD. Histopathology (microscopic examinations of biopsies) can confirm the diagnosis. Affected cells will have abnormalities in their nuclei, called "basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies." The diagnosis may also be confirmed by a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test on whole blood or biopsy samples from the affected bird. The test detects the presence of the virus. This test may also be used on swabs of surfaces in the environment to detect contamination.

 

False positive and false negative test results can occur. For example, infected airborne cells could contaminate a sample and cause a false positive result. Healthy birds with a positive test result should be retested after 90 days. If they still have positive test results, they should be considered carriers of the virus. If the retest is negative, the bird may have eliminated the virus, and become immune.

 

False negative results may occur if too much anticoagulant is present in the sample, an extremely high number of viral particles are present and interfere with the test, or there are an insufficient number of infected white blood cells in the sample.

 

How is PBFD treated?

 

There is no specific treatment for PBFD. Supportive care including good nutrition, supplementary heat (incubator), beak trimming, and treatment of secondary infections can be offered. The disease, however, is progressive, and very few birds recover. Euthanasia may need to be considered for birds with severe and/or painful signs. Birds who die a natural death usually succumb to a secondary bacterial, fungal, or viral infection despite treatment, since their immune systems have been critically suppressed. Most birds die within 6 months to 2 years of developing the disease.

 

How is PBFD prevented and controlled?

 

Healthy cockatooBirds should be purchased from suppliers with disease-free birds. New birds coming into facilities should be quarantined and tested. Repeat testing in 3-4 weeks to allow for the incubation period is recommended. Infected birds should be isolated and removed from breeding programs. Juvenile birds should be housed separately from adults. Bird owners need to understand that if they handle other peoples' birds, it may be possible for them to bring the virus into their home and infect their birds. Good hygiene and sanitation should be used. There is no known disinfectant that kills this virus.

 

In Australia, a killed vaccine has been developed which can protect unexposed birds; it can cause more severe disease in birds already showing signs of PBFD. Birds should be vaccinated as young as possible, as soon as 14 days of age. The vaccine should be boostered after one month, and breeding birds should be vaccinated one month prior to breeding.

Edited June 4, 200915 yr by KAZ

*Hugs* Kaz.

This is awul, l can only imagine the pain you and Ken are going through.

That sounds awful. My thoughts are with you.

Oh dear, So sorry to hear the news Kaz

excuse my French but it really Pi**es me off when people who have sick birds don't do anything to help them and worst of all, They hand the problem over to someone else, How cruel this world is sometimes.

 

I hope for all the best with them little guys coming good again!

Have you considered legal action? $8,000 is a lot to lose over one sick bird introduced from a reckless seller who sold you the bird in good faith and had you believe it was in good condition.

Have you considered legal action? $8,000 is a lot to lose over one sick bird introduced from a reckless seller who sold you the bird in good faith and had you believe it was in good condition.

We bought the bird from Sydney. He will not admit to having sick birds and in all contact so far he is accusing us of allowing his birds to catch things from ours. He said we have psittacosis going through and will not listen to vets diagnosis at all, and said his bird has caught psittacosis from ours. It isnt true and we have no psittacosis. He wont answer the phone or emails, and we have tried sending vet documentation and everything is bounced back or returned unopened. Legal action sounds great in theory but will cost us a great deal trying to prove the case unfortunately.

I am so sorry to read this Kaz. I wish I could do something to help. I am so sorry. As I told you the other day, you, Ken and your birds are in my prayers.

I am so sorry to read this Kaz. I wish I could do something to help. I am so sorry. As I told you the other day, you, Ken and your birds are in my prayers.

Thanks heaps Dave. We both feel very sad right now...like we have been through a war.

Hugs babe xoxoxox

OMG!!! I am so sorrrrrry :sad:

 

My thoughts are with you and Ken at this really tough time. I know how special these beautiful birds are to you both and i really hope there are no more loss

 

Biggest hugs to you and Ken from David and I

:hug: :hug:

Edited June 4, 200915 yr by **Liv**
calmed down

What if you tell us who it was? At least warn others so it won't happen to them. I'm into Princess Parrots and I know I would be devastated if this happened to me. I feel for you and your hubbie right now.

Very sorry to hear this Kaz (on a sad note maybe Ken will rethink quarantine now)

HUGS

Very sorry to hear this Kaz (on a sad note maybe Ken will rethink quarantine now)

HUGS

I have tried and tried about educating Ken to quarantine....he has learnt from this.

Have a look at this site Kaz, it is owned by a friend of mine who houses and loves PBFD infected cockatoo's - she only keeps infected birds. Her name is Koky (Sue) and she keeps up on all the latest information.

She has a section on removing the virus. It is a wonderful site and she started it to help people get through it and understand the disease, etc.

 

http://www.manauspbfdiseasesite.com/

 

There is a support forum (if you want it) for people with PBFD infected birds.

Have a look at this site Kaz, it is owned by a friend of mine who houses and loves PBFD infected cockatoo's - she only keeps infected birds. Her name is Koky (Sue) and she keeps up on all the latest information.

She has a section on removing the virus. It is a wonderful site and she started it to help people get through it and understand the disease, etc.

 

http://www.manauspbfdiseasesite.com/

 

There is a support forum (if you want it) for people with PBFD infected birds.

Thankyou very much Karen for that info and link. I will check it out

Kaz, I am so sorry to be reading this. The test for PBFD can not be done in Australia. I have one done two years ago. The DNA sample was sent to South Africa to check. It was $100 then.

 

Let's hope that you can stop the spread to Ken's other birds and to your budgies. Hopeful this strain is species specific.

Kaz, I am so sorry to be reading this. The test for PBFD can not be done in Australia. I have one done two years ago. The DNA sample was sent to South Africa to check. It was $100 then.

 

Let's hope that you can stop the spread to Ken's other birds and to your budgies. Hopeful this strain is species specific.

The vet seems to think the budgies will be okay. He says they handle it differently and it may present in what we know as French Moult. Exposure thus far has not resulted in anything to the budgies, but now there is no airflow from one aviary to the other.

Even the canaries and finches in Kens parrot aviary should not have it all all.

It looks like a total cull of Kens birds may well be on the cards though to sweep it clean. A great loss in both financial terms and emotional ties to the birds.

Over the past few months, we have all seen the importance of Quarantine. I believe that being Aussies is the big problem. We have that "She'll be right" mentality that gives us that carefree feeling in life. But when working with livestock. you must be so careful.

 

I have gotten off likely last year with my birds and have learned the lesson. It saddens me that some very good friends are having to go through it.