by Lisa M LaVergne

Created on: January 17, 2008

Birds are like humans in that there is a large number of illnesses and diseases that they can be affected by. And just like humans, some of these illnesses and diseases are more commonly found then others. If you are planning on purchasing a pet bird, or have already acquired one, you should most definitely do extensive research on the various ailments that your bird can suffer from. In the meantime, here are a few commonly found illnesses and diseases that affect companion and pet birds.

Skin and Feathers

Feather Cysts- Appear as oval or elongated swellings that can involve single or multiple feather follicles. They can occur anywhere on the body, however are most often found on the primary feathers of the wings.

Baldness- As you would suspect, this is a loss of feathers only on the head. Baldness in birds is believed to be caused by genetics and hormonal imbalance.

Feather Picking- Feather picking can be caused by both behavioral issues (such as stress or boredom) and underlying health issues as well. If your bird is showing signs of feather picking, its important to have your birds skin biopsied to determine if the cause is behavioral or health related.

Mites- Mites are one of the most common parasitic diseases found in companion birds. The two most common forms of mites found on companion birds are Knemidokoptes and Myialges. Mites can cause problems with the skin, feathers, eyes and other body parts and need to be taken care of immediately.

Pododermatitis (Bumble foot)- Bumble foot is an inflammatory and degenerative condition of the foot. Birds suffering from bumble foot often exhibit redness and swelling to the bottoms of their feet. In severe cases, abscesses and form and cause an infection of the bone. Bumble foot can be caused by a variety of factors including poor nutrition, improper perches and trauma to the feet.

Viruses and Diseases

Psittacosis (Avian Chlamydiosis)- This disease is caused by the organism Chlamydophilla psittaci. This disease can prove to be fatal and veterinary assistance should immediately be sought. Symptoms of Psittacosis include difficulty in breathing, diarrhea, lethargy, weight loss and other general signs of sickness.

Avian polyoma virus- Polyoma virus is a disease which unfortunately is often fatal and often exhibits no signs of warning, though in some cases the birds will show signs of appetite loss, delayed crop emptying and subcutaneous hemorrhages.

Salmonellosis/Salmonella- Birds are susceptible to Salmonella just as humans are. Birds can contract salmonella by fecal contamination of food and water, and from other infected birds. Proper sanitation of their living area is required to prevent this disease. Birds that suffer from salmonella may show signs of lethargy and loss of weight. They may also exhibit swollen eyelids.

Pox Virus- The pox virus is most commonly spread by mosquitoes and mites that can transmit the virus from one bird to another, however it can also be transmitted by the inhalation of aerosols. Symptoms of the pox virus include nodular or crusted areas on the non-feathered skin when infected by the dry and skin form of the disease. If infected by the wet or throat form of the virus, there will be a thickening of plaques in the mouth and throat.

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