Parrots do not have the same abilities as humans to fend off viruses and maladies of different types. Because of this, we have to watch out for our feathered friends and give them the proper treatment and care should they become ill.

If you are a parrot owner, it is vital that you understand the viruses that are out there and how they could affect your parrot. If you know what viruses exist, you can better protect your parrot from them. Since many of these viruses can be fatal, you need to keep your parrot from even being exposed to them if at all possible. Here are some of the most common serious viruses that could affect your parrot as well as information on how they are transmitted and how they will affect your bird so that you can better be prepared for them in case you find that you need to battle them.

Some Parrot Viruses:

Beak and Feather Syndrome is a virus that can affect any parrot of any type, from African Greys to Cockatoos. This disease can be spread in two ways: through feather dust and through feces. The symptoms of this syndrome include newly growing feathers that grow in abnormally or feathers that become swollen at the shaft. Additionally, the bird’s beak will grow abnormally and can break off painfully. The disease, if not caught and treated, could affect the nervous system and can lead to death. In order to prevent Beak and Feather Syndrome in your bird, you will need to make sure it is not exposed. If you were to add a new bird to the family, be sure to have it tested for the syndrome before you bring it into the household.

Another virus that can be common to parrots is Polyomavirus. This illness is airborne and can be transferred through food and feces as well. Symptoms of the disease include weight loss, severe diarrhea, regurgitation, and refusal to eat. If the illness goes untreated, it could lead to breathing problems, bruising and possible death. The virus affects baby parrots much worse than adult birds. Polyomavirus can easily be prevented through a vaccine.

One virus that is hard to pinpoint in contagion is a Papilloma virus. This illness manifests itself in the form of a growth that will form in the mouth or the throat or the vent area of the bird. It can take years for the Papilloma to completely form, making it hard for you to see until it is quite large. However, if the growth is large enough, it can cause breathing or defecation problems that could possibly be fatal. In order to treat this illness, a veterinarian can use a laser to remove the growth. If properly removed, the virus will not come back.

One of the most important things you should do when caring for your parrot is to learn about the diseases and illnesses that could affect it. If you want to make sure your parrot is healthy, you need to learn about how to battle the viruses that could occur. The most important thing is to keep a good eye on the parrot daily so that you will see any signs that it is becoming ill.