PSITTACINE BEAK AND FEATHER DISEASE
General information
This disease was first described in Australian cockatoos in the early 1970's.
Since that time, the disease has infected over 50 different species of birds.
The virus causing the disease works slowly; the disease is often called "Bird
AIDS" due to some similarities between it and the AIDS condition seen in
people.
What causes beak and feather disease?
For many years, the cause was unknown. We now know that a virus causes the
disease.
How do birds become infected with the virus?
Susceptible birds can become infected through the oral cavity, nasal passages,
and through the cloaca (the common receptacle in which the urinary, gastrointestinal
and genital tracts empty). The virus is readily shed in the feces and in the
crop. Viral particles in the crop (storage part of the stomach) may explain
how the virus is passed from parents to offspring. High concentrations of the
virus are shed in feather dust from infected birds.
What are the signs of beak and feather disease?
As is the case with the HIV virus in people, infected birds may take months
to years before showing any clinical signs. Once signs are seen, most birds
die from secondary infections within 6-12 months.
Clinical signs involve lesions affecting the beak, feathers, or both. Most
commonly, young birds (less than 3 years old) are infected with the virus. Several
forms of the disease may be seen; the forms of the disease are influenced by
the age of the bird when infected.
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Peracute Form: This occurs in neonatal (recently hatched) birds; signs
seen are septicemia (bacteria and bacterial toxins in the blood stream)
accompanied by pneumonia, enteritis (infection of the small intestine),
weight loss, and death. The diagnosis is easily missed if a necropsy (post
mortem / autopsy) is not performed on birds that die suddenly.
Acute Form: The acute form develops in birds infected in young birds
as they develop their first feathers. Depression followed by grossly formed
developing feathers and often death are seen.
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Chronic Form: This form occurs in older birds and is seen as abnormal feathers
during molts. Short, clubbed feathers and deformed curled feathers are seen.
If birds live long enough they may develop baldness.
Beak deformities may develop, and if they do, these occur after a long course
of the disease where substantial feather changes have taken place.
How is the disease diagnosed?
A skin and feather biopsy can be used to eliminate other causes of abnormal
skin and feathers. It is not 100% diagnostic for beak and feather disease but
can be strongly suggestive of it. A blood test using a DNA probe is the best
way to diagnose the disease; it is often performed at the time of the biopsy.
How do I know if my bird is infected?
Birds can be screened for the virus using a simple blood test. New birds should
be screened for the disease; if the bird is infected, it probably won't show
clinical signs for quite a while and the owner needs to be informed of this.
Additionally, many new birds are sold with a health warranty. A bird testing
positive should be covered under the warranty and the owner may decide to return
it. Any owner purchasing a new bird would have the resident bird and new bird
tested before bringing the new bird into the household.
How Is beak and feather disease treated?
Unfortunately, there is no treatment for the disease and it is usually fatal.
Supportive care can be given and can extend the life of the bird for quite some
time. Infected birds should be kept separate from non infected birds as the
disease is easily transmitted.
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