'Problem' parakeets can be shot

People will be able to shoot parakeets from next year without a licence, a wildlife watchdog has ruled.

Around 44,000 parakeets are in the UK, with 90% living in London - but they can threaten smaller birds, crops and public safety, the watchdog says.

The move gives parakeets the same legal status as pigeons, crows and magpies.

A Natural England spokesman said: "They are still a protected species but there will be some circumstances where people can take measures to control them."

Originally from the Himalayas, the UK's population of red-beaked emerald green parakeets is growing at an estimated rate of 30% per year.

Theories as to how the exotic birds came to make their home here include the urban legend that they escaped from a container at Heathrow airport during filming of The African Queen in 1951.

Parakeets have increased in density around south-east England, especially Heathrow, Kew, Richmond, Middlesex and Surrey.

People wanting to kill the birds to control their numbers must currently apply for a "personal licence" from Natural England.

TREATMENT OF HEATSTROKE IN PARROTS

Hello Friends 

Today I am posting about how to keep your birds cool in summer season.Mostly people in 

pakistan with pet birds are facing heat stroke problem in this seoson.So i am posting  

heat stroke solution for helping my friends in Pakistan.

As birds have no sweat glands they keep them cool by respiration with their mouth and by opening 

their wings during respiration for the cooling of their wing web.Pick a bird who is suffering from heat stroke

see under their wing where there are no feathers.Put your finger on this part and feel and you will 

see that this area will be very hot to the touch as if the bird is running from fever.He is suffering

from heat stroke and needs help.

The first thing you need to do is clean the wing web(as i told u before in the upper portion abt

wing web)This is an area of skin that enables a bird to cool itself.As the dirt under their wings

will prevent your bird from being able to cool down.

Then proceed right to a bucket of cool water and dip him in it and squeezing the cool water 

onto the skin under each wing.Do this several times on each side and then take the bird out and place

him on a cool cloth sit there for few minutes.When the bird stop fussing and had decided

that this isn't a bad thing after all,then hold him and dip the bottom half of his body

into the bucket of cool water.Dont bring him out leave him dripping.

The next thing you need to do is to make sure that his housing has ventilation.You need air 

flow during hot weather in the cage.It helps your bird to cool themselve.You can also use desert cooler 

for cooling your birds but desert cooler creates too much humidity in indoor cage and it helps

in the growth of bacteria so you can use dettol in the water of your desert cooler.Spray your birds twice a day with cool water.

(AS I AM USING THIS METHOD FOR MY PARROTS) If you have better solution please post.

FOR FURTHER INFO COMMENT ON THIS POST

Advise me if i am WRONG

                                                                  

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Proventricular Dilation Disease PDD

PDD (Proventricular Dilation disease)

PDS (Proventricular Dilation Syndrome)

Psittacine Wasting Disease

Macaw Wasting disease

These are some of the names used for this devastating disease, fortunately its still rare in aviaries, and rarer still in single bird homes. The incubation period for the spread of this disease between birds is still not clear and reports of between a few months to a few years has been indicated. Thought to be a virus that attacks the Proventricular, central nervous system and sometimes the intestinal tract, its very difficult to make a 100% diagnosis without exploratory surgery. It can also be confused with other ailments as symptoms are similar, such as mega bacteria, heavy metal poisoning, E. coli, and Candida to name a few, as said before usually surgery (biopsy) of the Proventriculus is required.

This disease mainly infects psittacines, mostly Greys and Macaws but any psittacine is susceptible, symptoms of PDD is usually commenced with regurgitation/vomiting, a lethargic bird, looks generally unwell and passes whole seed in faeces, rapid weight loss, seizures, diarrhoea, and lack of appetite are also indicative.

Treatment of various types have been tried, but has so far only prolonged the life of the bird for a while with the inevitable happening in the end. Good bio security must take place in aviaries with extended quarantine periods for new additions to prevent this fatal disease entering the aviary.

Avian Polyomavirus

Description
Polyomavirus - This virus, also referred to as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease is a member of the papovavirus family. Polyoma virus is a 40-50 nm diameter in size, containing a double-
stranded DNA genome of approximately 5000 basepairs.
This pathogen is considered one of the most significant threats to cage birds around the world. This highly infectious disease effects most if not all parrot species. Polyoma seems to be most problematic among neonates (young birds) between the ages 14-56 days. Young birds often die, while adult birds can develop a certain level of immunity. Polyoma is believed to have an incubation period of approximately two weeks or less.
Transmission
The disease can spread from one bird to another via feather dust, feces, aerosols and parental feeding of chicks; direct contact or contact with infected environments (incubators, nest boxes)..Birds that are infected but do not have obvious signs of infection are often responsible for spreading the virus to an aviary or bird store. Carrier state maybe possible in adult birds.
Symptoms
Swollen abdomen, depression, loss of appetite, anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying, regurgitation, diarrhea, dehydration, feather abnormalities hemorrhages under the skin, dyspnea, polyuria, ataxia, tremors, paralysis, acute death.
Some birds die without any clinical symptoms. Adult birds may die of secondary infection from bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic pathogen.
Prevention
Isolate all birds shedding the disease. Disinfect all contaminated surfaces with an oxidizer such as chlorine bleach (Polyoma virus is resistant to many disinfectants). *Alcohol does not work as it is not an oxidizer.A vaccine is available, however this option may cost as much as $40-60 per bird: additionally booster shots are required each year and the effectiveness of the vaccine in younger birds is in question. Quarantine all new birds and use nested primer PCR testing to determine whether or not birds are infected.
Treatment
No Known treatment at this time
Diagnosis
Nested primer PCR testing, and sequence analysis of PDV DNA; histopathology.
Sample
When testing individual birds, a whole blood sample is recommend in conjunction with a cloacal swab when possible. If the sample tests positive, then the bird should be placed in quarantine and re-tested in 4-6 weeks. If the bird tests negative the second time, then a third test is recommended.Post mortem samples of liver, spleen, or kidney tissue in a sterile container, postmortem swabs may also be submitted. Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes etc. is extremely effective in determining the presence of Polyoma DNA in the environment. *It is recommenced to submit both a whole blood and cloacal swab sample for analysis when possible.
Handling
Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.
Limitations
Vaccination of birds using a killed virus or DNA vaccine prior to testing does not affect the accuracy of a PCR test.

Avian Chlamydia

Description:
Chlamydia psittaci - also referred to as Psittacosis, Parrot Fever or chlamydiosis. The word Psittacosis comes from the Greek word Psittakos, meaning parrot. Chlamydia are gram negative, spherical, (0.4-0.6 micron diameter), intracellular parasites
that people sometimes referred to as "energy parasites" because they use ATP (a crucial energy containing metabolite) produced by the host cell, hence, the term "energy parasites.
Incubation periods in caged birds vary from days to weeks and longer. Most commonly this period is approximately 3 to 10 days. Latent infections are common and active disease may occur several years after exposure. The incubation period of this disease is however difficult to assess due to these chronically infected birds that develop persistent, asymptomatic infections. In birds, C. psittaci may manifest itself as an upper respiratory infection with nasal, and or ocular discharge, diarrhea, or a combination of all three. In some cases, birds may be infected but show no signs. These cases are of concern because these birds may become carriers and shed the organism. A major concern with C. psittaci is the zoonotic potential of the organism. A zoonotic disease is an infection which can be transmitted from animals to humans. C. psittaci is also one of the major causes of infectious abortion in sheep and cattle. *C. psittaci is related to Chlamydia trachomatis, the most common human STD, and Chlamydia pneumonia, a cause of human pneumonia.
Transmission:
Transmission of this organism from one host to another is primarily through the air. The bacteria is shed from an infected bird in the nasal and or ocular secretions, fecal material, and feather dust. The organism remains remarkably stable outside the host body and dries as a dusty substance. This dust or aerosol contaminates the air that is then inhaled by another possible host. Susceptibility as well as the amount of contamination determine whether or not the new host becomes infected with the disease. Vertical transmission through the egg has been shown in domesticated ducks.The disease has a greater chance of spreading in overcrowded conditions, stale air environments, nest-boxes, and brooders. Pet shops, bird marts, and quarantine stations are also high risk areas. *Transmission of the Chlamydial organism from birds to humans has been confirmed in a number of cases. Although psittacosis infection in humans is rare it is potentially dangerous for persons who are sick, elderly, immunosuppressed (e.g., HIV patients) or pregnant. These people should consult their doctor for more information concerning Chlamydia psittaci.
Symptoms:
In young birds clinical sings can include rough plumage, low body temperature, tremor, lethargy, conjunctivitis, dyspnea, emaciation, sinusitis, yellow to greenish droppings or grayish watery droppings may also be displayed.
Adult birds may develop symptoms such as tremors, lethargy, ruffled feathers, progressive weight loss, greenish diarrhea, occasional conjunctivitis, and high levels of urates in droppings. Birds infected with Chlamydia may develop one or several of these symptoms as the disease progresses.
Clinical changes associated with a Chlamydia infection include WBC elevated 2-3 times, Hct decreased 25-40%, SGOT elevated at least 2-3 times the normal levels, LDH elevated by at least 20%, and AST elevated by at least 2-3 times the normal limit. Other, more slight changes can occur in blood hematology and chemistry.*In humans: abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, malaise, myalgia, and conjunctivitis can occur as a result of a Chlamydia infection.
Prevention:
Preventing the organism from entering your facility is the best method of prevention. Test and quarantine all new birds before entering them in your aviary; avoid bird marts and bird fares where the disease can spread. Commonsense hygiene includes the removal of fecal material, and quality air circulation.
Treatment:
Most treatments involve the use of tetracycline and its derivatives such as Vibramycin, Doxycycline, Oxytetracycline. The antibiotic can be given by intravenous or intramuscular injections. Antibiotics can also be given orally or mixed with palatable food. Treatment periods generally last about 45 days varying slightly depending on the treatment. *Calcium should be withheld because tetracycline binds to calcium. Citric acid in the bird's drinking water can increase the levels of antibiotics in the blood.*In humans tetracycline and its derivatives are generally an effective treatment for Chlamydia.
Diagnosis:
Fecal analysis, blood analysis, immunoflourescent testing, as well as PCR and nested PCR testing are excellent tool to help determine a Chlamydial infection.
Sample:
When testing individual birds, a whole blood sample is recommended in conjunction with a cloacal and/or throat swab when possible. If the sample tests positive the bird should be placed in quarantine and treatment should be begun immediately.Postmortem swabs or samples of liver, spleen, or kidney tissue in a sterile container may also be submitted. Environmental testing using swabs of aviaries, countertops, fans, air-filters, nest-boxes, etc. is extremely effective in determining the presence of Chlamydia psittaci DNA in the environment.
Handling:
Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. (refrigerator). Samples must be shipped in a padded envelope or box. Samples may be sent by regular mail, but overnight is recommended.

Avian Tuberculosis (Mycobacterium avium) PDD Syndrome

Description

Mycobacterium (ATB) - Straight or slightly curved, non motile rods, 0.2 0.6 x 1.0 µm. Although difficult to stain, rods are Gram positive. After staining with basic fuchsin, cells resist decolorization with acidic ethanol and are therefore termed acid alcohol fast bacilli (AFB). This characteristic is due to the high level of lipid in mycobacterial cell walls. There are seventy one validly named species of Mycobacterium and an additional three sub species The principal pathogens in the genus are M. bovis, M. leprae and M. tuberculosis but, in all, thirty two species are known to be pathogenic to humans or animals. Species of Mycobacteria other than those above are often referred to as "atypical mycobacteria". The most commonly encountered pathogens among the atypical mycobacteria are species of the Mycobacterium avium complex. The M. avium complex (MAC) its considered to contain M. avium, M. avium subspecies paratuberculosis, M. avium subspecies silvaticum and M. intracellulare. However, poorly identified strains which show some similarity to M. avium are also frequently, and incorrectly, allocated to the complex. There are over 20 recognized serotypes within the M. avium complex.Most birds including parrots, parakeets, cranes, sparrows, starling, emus, waterfowl raptors and softbills, have shown susceptibly to M. avium. It is believed that favorable conditions virtually all species of birds are susceptible to avian tuberculosis. It is most prevalent where there is a high population density, such as in zoos, or collections of birds.

Transmission: M. avium infections are considered to be "open" meaning infected birds consistently shed large amounts of organism into the environment. M. avium is transmitted by ingestion and inhalation of aerosolized infectious organisms from feces. Incubation in birds is weeks to years. Oral ingestion of food and water contaminated with feces is the most common method of infection. Once ingested, the organism spreads throughout the bird's body and is shed in large numbers in the feces. If the bacterium is inhaled, pulmonary lesions may develop. Skin invasion may occur as well. The spread via infected eggs can occur, but it is not common. The transmission of M. avium from human to human has not been convincingly demonstrated and all infections are thought to be of environmental origin.

Symptoms: In some cases sudden death can occur in a bird with normal body weight and outer appearance. However, in most cases a bird with TB will develop symptoms such as progressive weight loss in spite of a good appetite, depression, diarrhea, increased thirst, and respiratory difficulty. A decreased in egg production often occurs in birds that were laying eggs. Once the disease appears, it is virtually impossible to eradicate it. Eventual death is the usual outcome Birds with the intestinal form often present with chronic wasting disease - and Proventricular Dilatation Syndrome is often one of the suspected possible diseases. In addition to weight loss, depression, diarrhea, increased urination (polyuria), abdominal distention, lameness and difficulty in breathing may be present.

Prevention: Preventing M. avium is best done by minimize stress and overcrowding; Provide proper ventilation; Prevent malnutrition with a proper diet. Controlling an M. avium outbreak in zoos, bird gardens and private aviaries can be especially difficult to eradicate. New additions to the aviary should be quarantined for a minimum of 1-2 months. Testing new additions for M. avium is also a good way to prevent possible outbreaks.

Treatment: All M. avium isolates that have been tested up to now are totally resistant to the antituberculous drugs currently used in humans ATB is extremely difficult to treat, and in many cases treatment is not considered a viable option.

Diagnosis: It is difficult and lengthy process to culture the M. avium organism in the lab. An elevated White blood cell count may be present, as well as a low red blood cell count. It is sometimes possible to find bacteria in the feces by staining procedures. This however, is not specific because other acid-fast bacteria that are not M. avium may also be present. At ABI we use two techniques for testing M. avium. PCR assays which detect the actual disease causing organism, and ELISA assays which detect specific antibodies for M. avium. PCR assays are considered to be the fastest most sensitive method for detecting M. avium while ELISA assays help determine exposure to M. avium.

Sample: At postmortem, biopsy of the liver, digestive tract, spleen and lungs. Is one of the best ways to diagnose the disease. For general screening whole blood, serum, vent and throat swabs can be used. It is best to submit both blood and swab samples for testing.

Handling: Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. Samples must be shipped overnight in a transport medium or as a dry swab.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

Description

Escherichia coli - commonly referred to as E. coli, this Gram-negative bacterium is a member of the Enterobacteriacae species. While many harmless or beneficial strains of E. coli occur widely in nature, including the intestinal tracts of humans and other vertebrates, birds and reptiles pathogenic types are a frequent cause of both enteric and urogenital tract infections. Several different types of pathogenic E. coli are capable of causing disease. A particularly dangerous type is referred to as enterohemorrhagic E. coli, or EHEC. The first such strain was identified in the United States in 1982. Since then, EHEC strains have been associated with food-borne outbreaks traced to undercooked hamburgers, unpasteurized apple juice or cider, salad, salami, and unpasteurized milk. EHEC strains produce toxins that have effects similar to those produced by bacteria of the Shigella genus. These enterotoxins can damage the lining of the intestine, cause anemia, stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) leading to kidney failure. In North America, HUS is the most common cause of acute kidney failure in children.

In Birds

Birds, especially psittacines, are less dependent on E. coli and rely on a more Gram-positive gut flora. However, softbills such as the passerines (finches, jays, songbirds), columbiforms (pigeons and doves), galliforms (chicken-like birds), raptors (hawks, falcons, owls), and ratites (emus and ostriches), have a high incidence of normal Gram-negative gut flora of many varieties including E. coli. The distribution of E. coli in psittacines varies one one species to another. It is less common in Amazons and macaws, sometimes found in greys, and common in cockatoos and Eclectus. In fact, E. coli can compose as much as 30 percent of the gut flora of some psittacines and others like cockatiels and budgies carry somewhat less.

Transmission:

The bacteria is shed from an infected bird in the fecal material as well as nasal and or ocular secretions. The organism remains stable outside the host body and may dry as a dusty substance. This dust contaminates the air in the form of aerosols. These aerosols are then inhaled by another possible host. Susceptibility as well as the amount of contamination determine whether or not the new host becomes infected with the disease. Other forms of transmission include infected hens feeding their young with contaminated crop contents, as well as contaminated feed and drinking water. Vertical transmission (transmission of the bacteria to and egg) can occur, subsequently chicks hatch and spread salmonella by direct contact. The embryo may die if bacteria levels become to high.The disease has a greater chance of spreading in overcrowded conditions, stale air environments, nest-boxes, and brooders. Pet shops, bird marts, and quarantine stations are also high risk areas.

Symptoms:

Ruffled feathers - diarrhea - listlessness - weakness - shivering - vent picking The severity of the illness can depend on the age of the bird, the virulence of the bacteria, the immune system, stress and the degree of contamination. Affected birds can also become carriers showing no disease symptoms. These carriers can spread the disease to their offspring and may later become ill as a result of stress. Baby birds, with less developed immune systems, are more susceptible to disease and frequently die. Chronic infections in adult birds may form abscesses, fail to hatch eggs, have changes in eating habits and may intermittently pass contaminating bacteria.

Prevention:

Keep water and feed bowls free of fecal material. Identify carrier birds and properly treat them. Careful disposal of contaminated materials. Minimize Stress in the aviary. People working with contaminated material should practice good hygiene.

Treatment:

Broad spectrum antibiotics should only be started when a sample for culturing has been taken. Oral and injected antibiotics should be given simultaneously in severe cases. The sulfa drugs are good to use orally. Kanamycin and Gentamycin are usually effective by injection. When Gentamycin is used do not allow dehydration. Dehydration may cause toxicity to occur. If necessary, the antibiotics can be changed after sensitivity results are known.If diarrhea is severe Kaopectate or Pepto Bismal may be given orally with 2 to 3 drops in mouth three times per day. Water consumption should be monitored to prevent dehydration. Maintain a stress free environment. An incubator or a heating pad under the cage should be used to maintain the temperature between 85 and 90 degrees. Lacking an incubator if the heating pad alone won't maintain the temperature, place the cage in a box and the box on the heating pad with a thermometer in the back of the box in order to monitor temperature.ANTIBIOTICS: Kanamycin: Dosage: .01 mgl to one gram of body weight intramuscularly twice daily. Gentamycin: Dosage: .01 mg to one gram of body weight intramuscularly once daily or 25 mg. to 120 ml of drinking water orally. Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole Suspension: Dosage .002 ml to one gram of body weight orally twice daily. Sodium Sulfachiorpridazine Powder: Dosage ¼ tsp to 120 ml drinking water ANTIDIARRHEALS: Pepto Bismol: Coats the intestinal tract. Helps to form a firmer stool. Dosage 2-3 drops in the mouth, 3 times daily. Kaopectate: Daolin and pectin coat the intestinal tract and form a firmer stool. Dosage 3 drops in the mouth 3 times daily. *Please check with the manufacturer of the specific antibiotic for additional information before treatment is started. Allays consult with your local avian veterinarian for additional information before treating individuals.

Diagnosis:

For best cultures are taken directly from the cloaca rather than from a fecal sample. If the bird dies, intestinal material, liver, blood and spleen can also be cultured. Anytime E. coli is found in an internal culture other than the gastrointestinal tract, it should be considered pathogenic. E. coli can proliferate uncontrollably outside its normal home in the gut. However, some strains of E. coli can cause gastrointestinal disease. So, even in the gut, the bacterium may be pathogenic.Sensitivity testing should be performed since enteric bacteria are often resistant to several antibiotics.

Sample:

E. coli is usually detected from a cloacal (vent) culture. It is best to take the culture directly from the cloaca rather than from a fecal sample. A fecal sample may be contaminated by another bird or animal, such as a rodent.

Handling:

Prior to shipping samples should be stored at 4 C. Samples must be shipped overnight in a transport medium.