7 Common Diseases in Pet Birds

Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD): Affects the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract. Commonly diagnosed in Macaws, African grey parrots, Amazon parrots, cockatoos, and conures. Symptoms include weight loss, vomiting, changes in droppings, and swollen crop.

Psittacosis (Parrot Fever): Caused by the Chlamydia bacterium, highly contagious to birds and humans. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, nasal and eye discharge, inappetence, and lethargy.

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD): Affects all parrot family members, especially young birds. Symptoms include feather abnormalities, beak irregularities, and absence of dander. No cure, supportive care provided by veterinarians.

Polyomavirus: Fatal disorder affecting caged birds, especially newborns and juveniles. Symptoms include appetite loss, enlarged abdomen, paralysis, and diarrhea. No treatment available, vaccination recommended for high-risk birds.

Candida (Candidiasis): Fungal infection affecting the digestive tract of birds. Symptoms include white lesions in mouth and throat, vomiting, and slow crop emptying. Treatable with antifungal medications; often secondary to other diseases.

Avian Gastric Yeast (AGY): AGY is a fungal infection that affects the stomach and upper digestive tract of birds. Symptoms include regurgitation, weight loss, and lethargy. Treatment typically involves antifungal medications prescribed by a veterinarian.

Aspergillosis: Aspergillosis is a respiratory fungal infection commonly found in birds. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and nasal discharge.