Taking "Rover" or "Kitty" to the vet for vaccinations to
prevent certain diseases is something that we all accept as part of responsible
parenting. Society has recently become aware that birds as well can contract and
become susceptible to diseases as well with the news of the "Avian Flu" being
mentioned everywhere. It is my greatest hope that you will never encounter any
of the following diseases in your companions lifetime. However, aside from
routine vet check-ups it is important to become educated in regards to avian
diseases. Being informed will not only help prevent many of these, but will also
increase your response time in the event that your companion should ever become
infected. Early detection often is the one thing that can truly make a
difference.
Giardia is a parasite that is found in the small
intestine of infected birds, dogs, cats, humans, and other mammals. It is
shed in the feces and is able to survive outside of the animal, with birds in
such places as perches, food bowls, cage bars, play gyms, and water. People,
birds, and other animals become infected when they ingest the parasite.
Giardia occurs frequently in budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, African Grays,
and gray cheeked parakeets, although other species also become infected when
ingesting the parasite.
Birds will often appear without symptoms, but can show
signs of loose droppings, weakness, anorexia, depression, yeast infections.
Some birds will start itching as a result and may tear out their feathers,
sometimes screaming as they do, or act like they have fleas, most likely in
their flank and leg areas.
Testing
for Giardia
There are several tests for Giardia available and in use
by avian vets:
1. Fecal Trichrome. Tests for the Giardia parasite
itself. This test is usually sent out to a laboratory.
2. ELISA Tests. Tests for the antibodies produced by the
bird to combat the parasite. Can be done in-house.
3. Other specialized tests are available, such as Crypto/Giardia
IFA and fecal stain.
Note: We believe that the fecal trichrome test is the
most reliable test for diagnosing Giardia. There is evidence of birds that
have tested negative under other test methods and then test positive using the
fecal trichrome. For the best possible results, collection of the first
morning feces will provide the best opportunity to detect the parasite, since
Giardia is not consistently shed in the feces. (For most larger birds this
will be the "morning big one." For smaller birds, such as budgies and
cockatiels, they don't have a "morning big one," so the important issue is to
make sure that the sample is collected fresh, within minutes.) Collection of
THREE samples over a period of 3 to 5 days is optimum for catching the
organism.
The good news about Giardia is that it is treatable. If
your bird tests positive, seek assistance from your vet. Any treatment should
ALWAYS be done through your avian vet.
Chlamydiosis (Psittacosis)
What is it? It is a disease that
affects a wide variety of bird species. It is also transmissible from birds to
humans. Since the human disease is usually associated with parrots (including
parakeets), physicians often call the infection "parrot fever". Nationwide,
between 100-200 human cases are reported annually, although the actual number
of cases is probably much higher.
What causes it? It is caused by a
tiny organism. It is usually spread by inhaling the organism from dried feces.
What are the symptoms? They can
include one or more of the following: ruffled feathers, depression, diarrhea,
discharge from the nares and eyes, poor appetite, rapid weight loss, and
death.
How is it treated? Infected birds
require treatment under veterinary supervision.
How to prevent it: Keep cages,
dishes, toys, and the bird area clean.
Help Us Help Them! 
