AVIAN RESPIRATORY PROFILE
Press Release.

These organisms have been found to be associated with many respiratory
infections in birds.

ASPERGILLUS SPP.
Aspergillus spp. itself and the disease that it causes are considered one of the toughest to diagnose and to treat. The fungi can grow undetected for an extended period of time - from months to years. When symptoms become apparent - abnormally fast, labored and/or open-mouthed breathing occurs - the problem is in an advanced stage and successful treatment is very difficult. It has been found that African Greys and Amazon parrots are the most susceptible to this disease among pet parrots. However, any bird can be infected. Early detection is essential in fighting the disease. DNA testing offers an accurate and fast way to diagnose Aspergillosis.

CHLAMYDOPHILLA SPP.
For a long time respiratory problems in birds have been associated with Chlamydophila spp. (former Chlamydia spp.) - a bacterial infection which is most commonly found in psittacine birds. This bacteria lives inside the cells, which makes it more difficult to diagnose and treat. Very often birds become carriers of the infection with no signs of the disease. However, once the immune system is weakened or the bird is stressed, a potentially deadly disease can develop. There are two main routes of transmission for Chlamydophila spp. - respiratory (through inhalation of fecal, oral, or other discharges, as well as, feather dust from infected birds) and oral (through ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacteria). The symptoms of an acute phase of infection may include respiratory problems, sneezing, dehydration, weight loss, and diarrhea. DNA testing allows for accurate detection of Chlamydophila spp. on samples such as choanal swabs, feces, and discharges. DNA testing on blood can detect carriers or a very early stage of infection. Screening multiple samples from the same bird is recommended.

KLEBSIELLA SPP.
Klebsiella spp. is one of the "nastiest" of the gram-negative bacteria. It may be present in very low numbers in clinically normal birds, but frequently this bacteria is associated with infections of the respiratory tract, especially when present in large numbers. The infection occurs by inhalation of the bacteria. Like many other bacterial and fungal organisms, Klebsiella grows in moist places. It has been found that used filters in humidifiers harbour the organism and, if the filters are not changed regularly, the infection can be easily spread around the house. This is why pet birds living in enclosed environments are more prone to developing the disease. DNA testing of the choanal swab can accurately identify the presence of Klebsiella in the respiratory tract.

PASTEURELLA SPP.
Pasteurellosis or Avian Cholera has been diagnosed in many avian species. There are a number of recorded outbreaks in the waterfowl species and in cage birds. As with other respiratory infections, transmission of Pasteurella occurs through inhalation or ingestion of infected dust, discharges, food or water. In many cases, the disease develops undetected, without any externally visible symptoms. The bird dies of toxic agents that poison its body. In chronic cases, the symptoms are clearer and may include rattling respiratory sounds, sneezing and nasal discharges. DNA testing can detect early infection and allow for proper medical treatment.HealthGene suggests submitting multiple samples -including blood, choanal and cloacal swabs - from a bird for more detailed screening. Also, any type of discharge can be tested for the presence of organisms, in order to detect if the bacteria or fungi is being shed.

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