FAMILY PROTECTION

Health Program for Birds

FAMILY PROTECTION Health Program for birds contains the most common zoonotic infections:

Chlamydophila psittaci
Cryptosporidium spp.
Mycobacterium spp. (Avian Tuberculosis)
Toxoplasma gondii

HealthGene recommends submitting blood and fecal samples for the FAMILY PROTRECTION Health Program.

For more information, contact your veterinarian

CHLAMYDOPHILA PSITTACI

Description:

Chlamydophila psittaci is a bacterium which infects over 100 species of birds including pigeons, raptors and finches. It is commonly found in feral pigeons that appear healthy. When looking at the percentage of the exotic bird population found to be infected, only a small percentage show overt clinical evidence of illness based on physical exam, radiography, and hematologic assessment. Some of the carriers may remain in that state for years with little or no clinical problems, and it is these birds that are contagious to cagemates and people. Transmission occurs through fecal-oral contamination and inhalation of dried discharges and droppings from birds. The infecting organism is present in nasal discharges, droppings, and tissues of infected birds. The droppings are the most common route by which the disease is transmitted to humans. Rehabilitators, veterinarians, and bird banders have a higher infection rate through the birds they handle.

Clinical Signs In Humans:

Clinical signs in people include fever, headache, upper respiratory infection, and pneumonitis.

Clinical Signs In Birds:

Signs in animals include decreades or no appetit, resuling in emaciation. lethargy, respiratory signs, and a greenish blood-tinged diarrhea.

CHRYPTOSPORIDIUM SPP.

Description:

Cryptosporidiosis is a diarrheal disease caused by microscopic parasites of the genus Cryptosporidium. Once an animal or person is infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and passes in the stool. The parasite is protected by an outer shell that allows it to survive outside the body for long periods of time.

Clinical Signs In Humans:

The most common symptom of cryptosporidiosis is watery diarrhea. Other symptoms include dehydration, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, fever, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms of cryptosporidiosis generally begin 2 to 10 days (average 7 days) after becoming infected with the parasite.

Clinical Signs In Birds:

In birds, symptoms most associated with crypto infections are diarrhea, and strong smelling fecal material. Birds can also develop respiratory signs.

MYCOBACTERIUM SPP. (Avian Tuberculosis)

Description:

In birds, tuberculosis is usually caused by Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium genovense. It is believed that immunocompetent humans are resistant to the strains of tuberculosis found in birds, but that immunocompromised people – such a those infected with HIV, those on chemotherapy, the elderly and children – are at an increased risk. Avian tuberculosis is transmitted by ingestion and inhalation of aerosolized infectious organisms from feces. Incubation in birds is weeks to months. Although many species of birds can be infected, the majority of cases occur in older amazons and grey cheeks. It can survive for a long period of time in the environment and can multiply in inanimate objects.

Clinical Signs In Humans:

In adult humans, tuberculosis frequently affects the lungs, producing respiratory signs. In young children, the cervical lymph nodes are often involved, while immunocompromise people often have the disseminated form.

Clinical Signs In Birds:

Clinical signs for birds range from none in asymptomatic carriers, to mild recurring diarrhea consisting of soft, light-colored stools to acute explosive diarrhea in severe cases. Other signs associated with giardiasis are weight loss, listlessness, mucus in the stool and anorexia.

TOXOPLASMA GONDII

Description:

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis. T. gondii is more common in birds that eat meat or have access to the ground or insects that can mechanically transfer the disease. While the parasite is found throughout the world, more than 60 million people in the United States may be infected with the Toxoplasma parasite. Of those who are infected, very few have symptoms because a healthy person's immune system usually keeps the parasite from causing illness. However, pregnant women and individuals who have compromised immune systems should be cautious; for them, a Toxoplasma infection could cause serious health problems.

Clinical Signs In Humans:

Most people who become infected with Toxoplasma are not aware of it. Some people who have toxoplasmosis may feel as if they have the "flu" with swollen lymph glands or muscle aches and pains that last for a month or more. Severe toxoplasmosis, causing damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs, can develop from an acute Toxoplasma infection or one that had occurred earlier in life and is now reactivated. Severe cases are more likely in individuals who have weak immune systems, though occasionally, even persons with healthy immune systems may experience eye damage from toxoplasmosis.

Clinical Signs In Birds:

Infected birds may display no clinical signs, but toxoplasmosis should be considered in acute onset of "sick bird syndrome" with possible neurological signs or acute death. Specific signs are variable because of the wide variety of body systems that can be affected. Clinical signs of toxoplasmosis in birds have included anorexia, prostration, weight loss, diarrhea, dyspnea, pneumonia, blindness, and conjunctivitis.

<< Back to family protection program main