What is Chlamydia psittaci?
Describe the nursing care?
Bacteria
Zoonotic condition common in budgies and cockatiels
Shed in faeces, coat (dander), aerosol transmission
Symptoms in birds: Sneezing, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea etc. In humans, dry cough, fever, dyspnoea, liver and kidney disease.
To avoid wear PPE, barrier nurse, isolation
Treated with antibiotics
Keep patient warm, fluids, nutrition.
What is avian influenza?
Treatment?
Virus
Can’t vaccinate against
Zoonotic - wild ducks are reservoir - also likely to catch from handling poultry.
Extremely contagious and spread through air droplets
Treat with antivirals, isolation and maybe culling
Prevent by avoiding contact with poultry, PPE!
What’s bumblefoot?
Ulcerative pododermatitis - Bacteria
Caused by wound or injury to foot, pressure sores, too much time on perch.
Treatment includes altering the husbandry - if extensive bacteria also use antibiotics. Can also debride area, put ball bandages on feet.
Can wrap perches to soften. Use varied diameters of perch. Good quality diet - more vitamins, better pellets.
Less standing pressure and more exercise - can use astroturf for ducks. Provide a deep pool.
What is Paramyxovirus (PMV)?
AKA Newcastle disease
- notifiable disease found mostly in chickens and carried by pigeons and shed in faeces.
- vaccines available
- causes respiratory problems, neurological disorders, wry neck, wing paralysis or drooping, diarrhoea and anorexia
- Euthanasia if severe
- Use electrolytes to rehydrate, probiotics, vitamins to boost immune system, calcium supplement.
- Supportive nursing care
Describe how you should clip birds wings as a temporary measure for preventing escape?
Never during the moult (as feathers receive blood supply at this stage)
Portion of secondary and primary flight feathers are cut - care not to cut down to base of quill.
