Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease: an Incurable Parrot Virus Spreads

[findi]

Hi, Frank Indiviglio here. I’m a zoologist and book author, recently retired from a career spent at several zoos, aquariums, and museums, including over 20 years with the Bronx Zoo.
An exciting new study has revealed that healthy parrots prefer working for their food to The pet trade is being blamed for an emerging epidemic that is threatening captive and wild parrots worldwide. Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is caused by a Circovirus that evolves quickly, spreads easily, and survives for years in nests and roosting areas. African Gray and Eclectus Parrots, Macaws, Cockatoos, Love Birds and Ring-Necked Parakeets are especially susceptible, but over 60 species have been infected. Included among these are wild populations of several endangered species, such as Swift, Orange-Bellied and Norfolk Island Green Parrots. First identified in 1987, PBFD has recently reared its ugly head on New Zealand’s South Island, where it is killing rare Yellow-Crowned Parakeets. [FONT=&quot]R[/FONT]ead article here Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease - Virus Spreads | That Bird Blog
Please also check out my posts on Twitter Crows as Pets: The African Pied Crow, a Most Intelligent Bird and Face Book http://on.fb.me/KckP1m

My Bio, with photos of animals I’ve been lucky enough to work with That Pet Place welcomes Zoologist/Herpetologist Frank Indiviglio to That Reptile Blog | That Reptile Blog

Thanks, Frank

 

[crimson]

I know a breeder that just had her bird pass away, after a necropsy was performed, and a histology sent away.... it was determined that the bird was positive for PBFD & Borno Virus.

she is absolutely devastated, her entire aviary is now infected, her business has all but ceased, and is currently suing the person she bought the bird from.

clearly it has devastating consequences, never mind the poor bird that suffers along with the miserable disease.

 

[RavensGryf]

Thanks Frank. Surprising it was only discovered as recently as 1987 when people had parrots way before that.

Beth, gosh what a horrible nightmare for that breeder. I don't even know what to say!

 

[findi]

I know a breeder that just had her bird pass away, after a necropsy was performed, and a histology sent away.... it was determined that the bird was positive for PBFD & Borno Virus.

she is absolutely devastated, her entire aviary is now infected, her business has all but ceased, and is currently suing the person she bought the bird from.

clearly it has devastating consequences, never mind the poor bird that suffers along with the miserable disease.

Tough one...With PBFD being limited to parrots, I'm guessing research funds are tight...when poultry is at risk, economic considerations drive research, and some of that benefits pet trade species as well..I'll keep an eye out for further developments, frank

 

[findi]

Thanks Frank. Surprising it was only discovered as recently as 1987 when people had parrots way before that.

Beth, gosh what a horrible nightmare for that breeder. I don't even know what to say!

It may be in that "emerging category"...had been around in another form, but evolved over time; seems to be the case with Chytrid in amphibs, SARS, etc., but I've not read anything directly on point, best, Frank

 

[crimson]

...speaking of SARS, if I'm not mistaken, Toronto was one of the very first cities infected with the virus.

we also set precedences on protocol on eradicating the virus so it would not spread.

I remember it well....