Ornamental bird diseases
introduction
Ornamental birds are a beloved part of many people's lives, adding charm and vitality to homes and gardens. Despite their beauty, they are susceptible to various types of diseases that may affect their health and safety.
This article aims to review the most common diseases that affect ornamental birds, such as colds, respiratory infections, poisoning, and parasites. It also addresses the causes of these diseases and ways to prevent them, in addition to how to deal with them when they appear.
The most common diseases of ornamental birds and their causes
We will learn about the most important diseases that affect ornamental birds, the cause of each disease and the symptoms of infection, in addition to methods of prevention and how to deal with the disease if your bird is infected.
Gastric dilation glandular
Gastric dilatation glandular disease commonly affects parrots, causing the glandular stomach – the area where digestive stones collect – to become enlarged, making it difficult for food to be digested properly. If not treated properly, this condition can be life-threatening.
Causes of gastric dilation
Gastric gland dilation in birds is due to several factors, including:
Unbalanced diet. For example, eating large amounts of fat leads to increased formation of digestive stones that contribute to gastric gland enlargement, and excessive consumption of seeds with a lack of fiber and water consumption exacerbates this situation. In addition, parasites such as tapeworms and bacterial infections such as salmonella increase the chances of infection, in addition to genetic factors that contribute to an increased likelihood of developing the disease.
Symptoms of dilated intestinal glands in ornamental birds
Characteristic signs of the disease:
Abdominal swelling with pain when touched.
Difficulty in digestion.
Loss of appetite.
Feeling of general weakness and emaciation.
Occurrence of diarrhea and vomiting.
Prevention of dilated intestinal glands in birds
To prevent gastric dilation in parrots, it is recommended to provide a balanced and healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and grains, while reducing the intake of fatty foods.
It is also necessary to provide a suitable environment for the bird that includes sufficient space for movement and exercise, while ensuring the cleanliness of the cage and providing dewormers regularly.
It is also necessary to take the bird to the veterinarian for periodic check-ups to detect any diseases early.
How to deal with enlarged intestinal glands in an infected bird
You should immediately go to the veterinarian to receive appropriate treatment, which includes giving the bird anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers to relieve pain, in addition to adjusting its diet and providing the necessary care until it returns to its normal condition. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the enlarged part of the stomach.
parrot fever
This disease is a serious viral disease that targets parrots, especially water parrots. The virus attacks the bird's nervous system, leading to severe neurological symptoms and sometimes resulting in the bird's death.
Causes of parrot fever
The virus is transmitted to the bird through direct exposure to the feces, saliva, or blood of an infected bird. It can also be transmitted through the bites of some insects such as ticks and fleas.
Symptoms of parrot fever
Common signs of parrot fever include:
A sharp rise in temperature.
A noticeable decrease in appetite.
Muscle cramps.
Swelling of the eyes and head.
Difficulty breathing.
Behavioral changes that can range from aggression to depression.
It is important to monitor any changes in the behavior of parrots and other birds, as this is an early indication of the disease.
Instructions for preventing parrot fever
Prevention of parrot fever depends on adhering to strict health procedures, including frequent hand washing before and after handling birds, regularly sterilizing feeding and watering utensils, and providing a clean and healthy environment for the birds. It is also recommended to reduce contact with infected birds and avoid sharing tools and equipment between healthy and infected birds, in addition to quarantining new birds for two weeks before introducing them to the rest of the birds.
How to deal with a bird infected with parrot fever?
A veterinarian should be visited without delay, as there is no specific treatment for parrot fever. However, the veterinarian can provide treatment to relieve the symptoms of the disease, and the infected bird should be isolated from other birds to prevent the spread of infection.
feather and beak disease
Beak and feather disease is considered one of the most dangerous diseases that affect ornamental birds, as it attacks and weakens the immune system, which increases the possibility of the bird contracting bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Birds are infected with beak and feather disease due to infection with the Bornavirus.
Symptoms of beak and feather disease
Symptoms of the disease can be summarized in the following points:
Change in the color of the feathers with their falling out.
Swelling and deformation of the beak.
Peeling of the skin and the appearance of cracks in it.
These signs may also be accompanied by a rise in body temperature and general weakness in infected birds.
To prevent beak and feather disease
To prevent beak and feather disease, it is advisable to follow the following steps:
Apply appropriate hygiene and sterilization procedures inside the barns and cages.
Provide healthy food with a balanced diet.
Avoid direct contact with infected birds and limit large gatherings.
How to deal with a bird infected with beak and feather disease
If a bird is found to have beak and feather disease, the affected bird should be immediately isolated from the rest of the birds to prevent the spread of the infection. A specialized veterinarian should also be consulted to provide appropriate treatment, which may include the use of antiviral or antibacterial medications, in addition to providing the necessary care and nutrition to enhance the recovery process.
One of the diseases that threaten ornamental birds is a dangerous viral disease known as “polyamoeba histolytica virus.
Causes of tumour disease
Ornamental birds are exposed to polyomavirus through direct contact with an infected bird, or through contact with its secretions or contaminated tools.
Symptoms of polyomavirus
Signs include:
Loss of appetite.
Digestive disturbances.
Respiratory infections.
Neurological symptoms such as tremors and loss of balance.
To prevent tumour disease in ornamental birds
The following preventive measures are recommended to reduce the spread of the toromycosis virus:
Ensure a clean and healthy environment for birds.
Avoid direct contact between infected and healthy birds.
Provide a balanced and healthy diet.
Implement available vaccination programs.
How to deal with a bird with tumour disease
If any signs of polyomavirus infection appear, it is advisable to visit the veterinarian immediately. The veterinarian will work to provide treatments to alleviate the accompanying symptoms, as there is no specific treatment for this disease.
Candida (ovary)
When birds are exposed to certain environmental conditions, they can become infected with Candida fungus, which targets their digestive and reproductive systems.
The main causes of candida infection in birds
Factors that cause candidiasis in ornamental birds include:
Poor hygiene and ventilation, which make the cage a suitable environment for the growth of fungi.
Weak immune system, which reduces the bird's ability to resist infection.
Random use of antibiotics without consulting a veterinarian.
Poor nutrition, which leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies and weak immunity.
Symptoms of Candida infection in birds
Diarrhea and vomiting.
General weakness and emaciation.
Loss of appetite.
Deterioration of feather condition.
Mouth infections.
Candida prevention
A healthy environment should be provided for the birds by maintaining good hygiene and ensuring proper ventilation of the cage. In addition, it is recommended to provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support and strengthen the immune system.
The proper way to deal with a bird infected with Candida
Consult your veterinarian first to determine the appropriate treatment according to the severity of the symptoms. Treatment may include the use of antifungals such as Cremzole or Fluconazole, in addition to modifying the diet and providing the necessary medical care for the affected bird.
conclusion
It is recommended to provide balanced meals for ornamental birds that suit their digestive system, and provide them with essential vitamins and minerals to boost their immunity and support healthy feather growth.
Some suitable types of food:
Zuprim Real Rewards for parrots and large birds.
Brown's Tropical Carnival for canaries and finches.
Harrison's Special Bird Food with Juvenile Formula.