Avian polyomavirus is, like PBFD, a contagious livestock disease which is highly underestimated, despite being responsible for feather deformations and premature death in chicks.

 

Avian polyomavirus (PVA - papovaviridae family) mostly affects young birds still in the nest (parakeets, amazons, eclectus, macaws, conures).

 

In its acute form, it usually results in nest mortality. In its chronic form, blood appears in the bird's droppings.

 

Birds that survive are slow to regrow their plumage and frequently exhibit reduced immunity leading to secondary bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

 

Infection by this virus very often goes totally undetected and a contaminated bird remains capable of transmitting the disease to other birds with which it is in contact.

 

This viral infection can be associated with PBFD.

 

Diagnosis is made from damaged feathers or a blood sample.

 

Ideally, as with PBFD, quarantined birds should be tested before being placed in a breeding farm.

 

It is essential to consult your veterinarian to undertake a diagnosis and follow-up with an additional examination.

 

 

For more information, consult Doctor J.-F. QUINTON’s article on PBFD.