Feather & Beak Disease
Beak and Feather Disease also known as PBFD
This dreadful
disease is caused by a circovirus. It has a wide species range and is a deadly
avian disease that may not show any symptoms.
The virus will attack tissues of young
birds including skin, feathers, beak, oesophagus and the crop.
Organs of the immune system such as
cloacal bursa, thymus and bone marrow if attacked can result in depression of
the immune system which then leaves the birds exposed to secondary infections.
Infections of the feathers and beak will produce growth deformities.
PBFD can affect birds of any age, but is
more commonly seen in young birds. Many older birds can suddenly turn up
positive for the virus as this disease is very contagious
Obvious symptoms of PBFD are feather problems
that look very much like French moult, bald patches on the head, missing
primary wing feathers and/or tail feathers are obvious signs.
The bird may have a beak that is
deformed, especially the upper beak, and often overgrown; the beak usually splits
or breaks.
Feathers look half developed and ragged;
birds will eventually lose most of their feathers and then die of a secondary
infection.
The virus may survive for many months or
even years in feather dust, faeces, or nest material. Infection can be spread
easily therefore by inhalation of infected feather dust or dried faeces. It can
be carried on clothes, feeding and cages.
It is very resistant to many
disinfectants
PBFD is extremely contagious and there
is no known cure and vaccines are only now being developed. Birds carrying this
disease may not show any symptoms until stress brings it out, but they may
infect other birds before they become symptomatic.
