Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease - (PBFD)

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) has been recognized as one of the most serious diseases affecting parrot birds worldwide and can cause very high chick mortality. It can be spread by shared feeding via bird crops, fresh or dried feces, feathers, and skin particles. The virus is very stable in the environment and can survive for years in the nest.

PBFD, the viral condition is responsible for damage to the beak, feathers, and nails as well as the immune system of infected birds. Damage to these latter tissues leads to a weakened immune system, thereby increasing susceptibility to secondary infections by other viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Infection of wings and beaks leads to typical malformations in their growth.

Causes of Beak and Feather Disease in Birds

PBFD is transmitted from direct contact of infected birds to healthy birds or through contaminated water and feeding areas.
The nares, mouth, and cloaca are potential routes of entry.
The disease may be passed from crop secretions to newly hatched birds being fed by their parents.
The dust from feathers, dander, or feces found in the nest box can also spread the virus.

Symptoms of PBFD in Birds

Feathers: Short, Sharp, Fragile, Malformed feathers which bleed and break causing significant loss of powder down, and contour feathers with loss of pigment in a symmetrical pattern

Skin: Scarring, Scaly, Thickened, Moist skin, Skin infections, Loss of temperature control

Beak: initially glossy then dull, brittle, and malformed

Nails: brittle and malformed

Internal organs: immune system failure including the thymus, Bursa of Fabricius, and bone marrow

Diagnose of PBFD in Birds

PBFD is diagnosed using a DNA PCR or DNA probe test on a blood sample.

Testing may also be performed on feather or skin samples or a swab from the internal organs of a deceased bird. Incorrect results rarely occur.

Recovery and Management of PBFD in Birds

Infected birds should be kept isolated from non-infected birds to prevent transmission.
Supportive care in a stress-free environment may help extend the life of infected birds.
Good nutrition, supplemental heat in an incubator, beak trimming, and treatment of secondary infections will be helpful.
Any birds that are featherless may benefit from a wrap or sweater to improve body warmth.
The virus causes critical suppression of the immune system in infected birds. Secondary infections are common which may cause death.

Although many avian diseases present with identical clinical signs, laboratory data can be often distinguish between disease etiologies and/or tissues affected.