Birds are wonderful companions, but like any other animal, they’re susceptible to diseases. To protect your bird, it’s important to be well-informed about the various diseases, so you can focus on preventative bird care. Here are three common bird diseases to watch for in your feathered friend.

Identifying Common Bird Diseases and Symptoms

1. Polyomavirus

This infection affects a bird’s body parts and organs, causing feather lesions and death. Although young birds have a high risk of infection, polyomavirus is most commonly found in birds from the parrot family. Some birds won’t display any outward symptoms, while others can experience symptoms ranging from the loss of appetite, to diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and paralysis.

Unfortunately, there is no current treatment for polyomavirus. However, you can practice preventative bird care by carefully disinfecting your bird’s cage to reduce viral contamination. A polyomavirus vaccine is also available for select parrots.

2. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

First discovered in Australian cockatoos in the early 1970's, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a viral disease that affects all members of the parrot family, including old and new world parrots. Caused by the PBFD virus, this disease can take a range of forms from acute to chronic. Common symptoms to look out for include abnormal feather loss or development, missing dander, abnormal growths, lesions, and beak abnormalities. If your bird expresses any of these symptoms, an avian veterinarian may do a blood test using a DNA probe or a skin and feather biopsy.

3. Parrot Fever

Also known as Psittacosis, Parrot Fever is a rare infection caused by a type of bacteria known as Chlamydia Psittaci. Affecting all hookbills, this disease is highly contagious and can even be passed along to humans. Birds may not show the common symptoms which can include everything from eye infections and inflammation, to difficulty breathing, and wet droppings. Fortunately, treatment is available for this disease and is typically in the form of an antibiotic.

If you’re in need of an avian veterinarian for your bird, put your trust in The Pet Clinic in Honolulu, HI. Using all of the latest advances in the veterinary field, this pet hospital provides everything from rabbit and bird care, to puppy and kitten vaccinations, and  pet allergy treatments. To give your feathered friend the bird care he deserves, call a veterinarian today at (808) 946-5096 or visit their website for more information about their services.