Abstract
Preventing the introduction and
spread of diseases in our captive
breeding programs is the most
important factor in long term breeding
success. There is nothing more
depressing than the loss of a proven
breeder to a disease that could have
been prevented.
Parrots from all over the world
carrying contagious diseases are often
mixed together in quarantine stations,
pet stores, and private aviaries. A
disease that may cause no problems
in a South American parrot could be
deadly to an African or Australian
parrot. Many birds are asymptomatic
carriers of diseases that are common
in their geographic area.
As we expand our veterinary knowledge
of exotic bird medicine, we find
there are many more diseases, especially
viruses, that have yet to be
isolated and classified. When you
start to consider all of the potential
illnesses, it is quite overwhelming.
Fortunately, with good medical
management most of these diseases
can be avoided.