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Treatment

A veterinarian will generally prescribe Acyclovir for Pacheco’s disease. However, the medication is known to cause kidney damage, and works best during the initial stages of the infection, before the symptoms show.

Prevention

If your bird does contract Pacheco's disease and survives, stress may trigger the infection to resurface. Therefore, it is important to quarantine any birds suspected of having this virus for one to two months, and ensure it is not spread to any other animals.

All contaminated surfaces should then be disinfected with an oxidizer, like chlorine bleach. All air filters in the home should also be replaced.

It is important birds have regular testing. Vaccinations are available in two-dose injections and are given to the infected birds in four-week intervals. After which, one booster dose is needed annually. However, the vaccine has been reported to have side effects, and only birds at risk -- like pet store birds -- should be vaccinated.