What is beak and feather disease?

[lin]

www.geocities.com/calliefeather/pbfd.html

[carol12]

Hello friends


Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease or PBFD is caused by a circovirus which infects and kills the cells of the feather and beak. The virus also impairs the immune system. Consequently many diseased birds succumb to bacterial and other infections.
This disease has first been noticed in cockatoos, but has since been diagnosed in many species of birds, specifically in African Greys, cockatiels, budgies, cockatoos, Eclectus parrots, lovebirds, macaws, and Rosellas. African greys are particularly badly affected.
PBFD normally results in the death of affected birds and the decimation of young birds in infected collections. Chronically affected birds become immunosuppressed and may succumb to other diseases due to their depressed immune system.
A positive result from a bird with no feather problems may mean either that the bird is a carrier or that it has been recently exposed to the virus. In these cases it is best to isolate the bird and re-test in about 90 days. The second sample should be collected by venipuncture to ensure that contamination does not occur.
The majority of birds which are merely exposed will mount an immune response and eliminate the infection. Those still positive at the second test should be considered as carriers. One day they are likely to


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