Companion (Pet) Birds Main Page Articles Aviary Shop Area ... Forum Search The Aviary Search this site powered by FreeFind NEWSLETTER Join the Aviary-list our newsletter! Sign up now for twice-a-month tips, advice and more! Forum Talk ASK THE VET (Tuberculosis) by Linda Pesek, DVM Westbury Animal Hospital 319 Union Avenue Westbury, NY This article first appeared in SQUAWK, the newsletter of the Big Apple Bird Association, and appears here with permission. Tuberculosis is an infectious granulomatous (walled off area of infection) disease of animals and people. It is caused by an acid-fast bacterial rod known as mycobacterium. In humans, TB is caused by M. tuberculosis, M. bovis, and occasionally, M. avium. In birds, M. avium is the usual agent although M. bovis and M. tuberculosis can cause disease as well. In humans, the incidence of TB is increasing, especially in people whose immune systems are compromised, such as those infected with the AIDS virus. All birds are susceptible to avian tuberculosis. It is most prevalent where there is a high population density, such as in zoos, or collections of birds. Brotogerid parakeets, ringneck and related parakeets, amazons, Grey Cheeks, and pionus parrots seem to be especially susceptible. Although sudden death can occur in a bird with normal body weight, the usual presentation of a bird with TB is one of progressive weight loss in spite of a good appetite. Depression, diarrhea, increased thirst, and respiratory difficulty may also be present. Decreased egg production often occurs in birds that were laying eggs. Once the disease appears, it is impossible to eliminate. Eventual death is the usual outcome. | |
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