Diseases

Question 1

What is Chlamydia psittaci?

Describe the nursing care?

Answer 1

Bacteria
Zoonotic condition common in budgies and cockatiels
Shed in faeces, coat (dander), aerosol transmission
Symptoms in birds: Sneezing, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea etc. In humans, dry cough, fever, dyspnoea, liver and kidney disease.

To avoid wear PPE, barrier nurse, isolation
Treated with antibiotics
Keep patient warm, fluids, nutrition.

Question 2

What is avian influenza?

Treatment?

Answer 2

Virus
Can’t vaccinate against
Zoonotic - wild ducks are reservoir - also likely to catch from handling poultry.
Extremely contagious and spread through air droplets

Treat with antivirals, isolation and maybe culling
Prevent by avoiding contact with poultry, PPE!

Question 3

What’s bumblefoot?

Answer 3

Ulcerative pododermatitis - Bacteria
Caused by wound or injury to foot, pressure sores, too much time on perch.

Treatment includes altering the husbandry - if extensive bacteria also use antibiotics. Can also debride area, put ball bandages on feet.

Can wrap perches to soften. Use varied diameters of perch. Good quality diet - more vitamins, better pellets.
Less standing pressure and more exercise - can use astroturf for ducks. Provide a deep pool.

Question 4

What is Paramyxovirus (PMV)?

Answer 4

AKA Newcastle disease

• notifiable disease found mostly in chickens and carried by pigeons and shed in faeces.
• vaccines available
• causes respiratory problems, neurological disorders, wry neck, wing paralysis or drooping, diarrhoea and anorexia
• Euthanasia if severe
• Use electrolytes to rehydrate, probiotics, vitamins to boost immune system, calcium supplement.
• Supportive nursing care

Question 5

Describe how you should clip birds wings as a temporary measure for preventing escape?

Answer 5

Never during the moult (as feathers receive blood supply at this stage)
Portion of secondary and primary flight feathers are cut - care not to cut down to base of quill.