Unfortunately, bird diseases are very common among aviaries, breeding facilities and bird house pets. The majority of these diseases are deadly and highly transmissible between specimens -some like Psittacosis can be transmitted to people-  so an early identification of the disease is crucial for the safety and treatment of the birds.

 

Here you can find useful information about diseases that iQ BirdTesting currently examines in birds. Tests are performed using a DNA or RNA-based technique which provides strong and prompt results. Nevertheless, a properly collected sample will determine the reliability of the test so we encourage our clients to follow the instructions carefully.

 

Please refer to the Sample Collection page to find useful information about the type of sample we accept for each test and our recommendations. Remember that feather samples are only permitted for gender determination.

 

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Psittacosis

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Psittacosis (also known as ornithosis and parrot fever) is a systemic zoonosis caused by infection with Chamydophyla psittaci. Chlamydial infection is common among birds, affecting more than 130 domestic and wild species. C. psittaci can also be transmitted by pet birds to their owners, posing a great risk to humans. There has been a gradual increase in human cases of avian chlamydiosis. In fact, the growing trade in exotic birds has caused the frequency of avian chlamydiosis to rise rather than diminish, making it necessary to take measures to control these birds and prevent the illegal trade with them.

The mainstay of diagnostic testing is molecular techniques.

PBFD

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is one of the most serious viral diseases of the most common parrots. PBFD has been cited worldwide to affect parrots specifically and all parrot species could be considered susceptible. Most species of parrots, such as cockatoos, African gray parrots, eclectus parrots and lovebirds, can be infected by this virus.

The virus, mainly in young birds can cause a deadly infection. Older birds can overcome the disease with few after effects, although some studies argue that these surviving birds become carriers capable of transmitting the disease. The mainstay of diagnostic testing is molecular techniques.

Avian polyomavirus (APV)

Avian polyomavirus (APV) primarily affects young birds. There are two primary forms of the disease based on species affected: budgerigar fledgling disease and a no budgerigar polyoma infection. Both are characterized by per acute to acute death of pre weaned neonates. Adult birds typically are resistant to infection; they will seroconvert and shed the virus for up to 90 days, then clear the infection. The incubation period is 7–10 days.