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Educational Articles

Infectious Diseases

  • Abnormal droppings are a non-specific sign of illness in birds. A change in dropping color, frequency, volume, wetness, or character may indicate a problem that requires immediate veterinary attention.

  • Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are bacterial infections that are minimally or no longer responsive to commonly used antibiotics. Although these bacterial infections occur naturally, the frequent and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the process.

  • Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections are bacterial infections that are minimally or no longer responsive to commonly used antibiotics. Although these bacterial infections occur naturally, the frequent and/or inappropriate use of antibiotics accelerates the process.

  • Aspergillosis is a severe and sometimes life-threatening fungal infection that commonly causes respiratory disease in pet birds. Infected birds may show tail bobbing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Aspergillosis is a challenging disease to treat and difficult to cure. In many cases, referral to an avian specialist is advised.

  • Avian flu (also known as highly pathogenic avian Influenza or HPAI, avian influenza, or bird flu) is a viral infection caused by influenza type A viruses. It primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry. The H5N1 strain is of particular concern because it can spread rapidly and potentially infect non-avian species, including mammals like dogs, cats, zoo animals and some wild carnivores. During outbreaks, keep pets and livestock away from wild birds and their droppings.

  • If they are well looked after, including proper diet and husbandry, bearded dragons are reasonably hardy animals. Common health conditions of pet bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (mouth rot), and respiratory infections. Any change from normal is cause for concern and should be immediately evaluated by your veterinarian.

  • Botulism is a rare condition that causes paralysis in cats. Cats are exposed to botulism by eating raw meat or dead animals containing botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum.

  • Botulism is a rare condition that causes paralysis in dogs. Dogs are exposed to botulism by eating raw meat or dead animals containing botulinum toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum. Signs, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed.

  • Candida is a type of yeast that may cause problems in the digestive tract of birds. In young birds, immunocompromised birds, or birds that have been on antibiotics for an extended period, candida may overgrow in the digestive tract and cause infection (candidiasis). It is a common cause of sour crop (ingluvitis).

  • Capillaria is a small internal parasite that is closely related to intestinal worms, though they can live in a variety of locations within the body. Diagnosis can be difficult because the eggs intermittently. In many cases, earthworms serve as the source of Capillaria infection. This handout outlines diagnosis, treatments, and prevention.