Polyomavirus in Birds

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Polyomavirus is a deadly infection that affects many of the bird's body parts and organs simultaneously. This infection affects caged birds, especially those from the parrot family. Young birds from newborn to juveniles (14-56 days), are the birds most at risk and is usually fatal. Though not proven, adult birds are thought to form some immunity to polyomavirus.

Symptoms and Types

From the time the bird contracts the infection, it takes about 10-14 days for the it to display symptoms. However, a bird may or may not show any sign of the polyomavirus infection. If the symptoms are displayed in your bird, its death may be imminent -- usually within one or two days. Since the infection lowers the immunity of the bird, it can be susceptible to other viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, which can lead to secondary infection and death.

Birds with polyomavirus infection may display symptoms, including:

• A swollen (distended) abdomen
• Loss of appetite
• Regurgitation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Feather abnormalities
• Excessive urination
• Difficulty breathing
• Bleeding (hemorrhages) below the skin
• Listlessness
• Tremors
• Paralysis

Causes

The polyomavirus is usually contracted through direct contact with other infected birds. It is also contracted from infected feces, dander, air, nest boxes, incubators, feather dust or from an infected parent passing it to chick.