Birds can get bacterial infections just like humans and other animals. Some common signs that your bird may have a bacterial infection include:
Changes in Behavior
Birds who are normally active and vocal but become lethargic and quiet may be showing signs of an infection. Lack of appetite is also common. Your bird may seem withdrawn and prefer to sit on the bottom of the cage instead of on a perch. Head tilting, loss of balance, and stumbling can also indicate an inner ear infection.
Breathing Changes
Listen for any sounds of labored, heavy, or rapid breathing. See if your bird is breathing with an open beak or tail bobbing up and down with each breath. These can signal respiratory distress. Discharge from the nostrils or eyes are other breathing-related signs of infection.
Feather and Skin Changes
Ruffled, dirty-looking feathers can indicate your bird feels unwell. So can red, swollen, scaly, or crusty skin. Bald spots and excessive molting can also occur. Check the vent area for any swelling, redness, or discharge which may point to a bacterial infection.
Diarrhea
Look at your bird’s droppings – diarrhea, especially if bloody or foul-smelling, can indicate a bacterial infection in the digestive tract. Urates that are green, yellow, or blood-tinged can also be a sign of infection.
Vomiting
While vomiting is not typical for birds, if your bird does vomit, it could signal a very serious infection. Vomiting, along with fluffed feathers and lethargy, requires urgent veterinary care.
Swelling
Keep an eye out for any swollen areas on your bird’s body. This includes the eyes, vent area, feet, and legs. Swelling can indicate an internal infection in that part of the body.
Wounds
Birds can develop infections in wounds from injury, self-mutilation, or fighting with cagemates. Look for redness, heat, discharge, and swelling around wounds which may indicate a brewing infection.
When to See the Vet
It’s a good idea to make an appointment with your avian vet if your bird exhibits any signs of an infection. Bacterial infections can rapidly become serious and even fatal if left untreated in birds. Birds also become very ill once symptoms appear, so early veterinary care is crucial.
Some signs that require emergency veterinary care include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Blue discoloration of the skin or beak
- Complete lack of appetite
- Lethargy and puffed-up feathers
- Inability to perch
- Seizures
- Diarrhea, especially if bloody
- Vomiting
- Head tilting
- Rapid weight loss
- Bleeding
Common Bacterial Infections in Birds
There are several types of bacterial infections birds can develop. Here are some of the most common:
Avian Chlamydiosis
Caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Transmitted through nasal and eye secretions. Symptoms include ocular and nasal discharge, breathing difficulty, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid weight loss. Can be fatal if untreated.
Avian Tuberculosis
Caused by Mycobacterium avium. Transmitted through feces and secretions. Symptoms include weight loss, respiratory difficulty, diarrhea, lethargy, feather abnormalities. Usually fatal in birds.
Paratyphoid
Caused by Salmonella bacteria. Transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include lethargy, ruffled feathers, appetite loss, weakness, diarrhea, respiratory distress, and death.
Psittacosis
Caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Transmitted by inhaling contaminants from bird droppings, feathers, or dust. Symptoms include appetite loss, lethargy, breathing difficulty, diarrhea, vomiting, discharge. Can be fatal if untreated.
Colibacillosis
Caused by E. coli bacteria. Transmitted through contaminated food or water. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea, breathing difficulty, swollen joints, poor feather condition, seizures. Often fatal in birds.
Mycoplasmosis
Caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Transmitted by direct contact. Symptoms include nasal discharge, swollen eyes, appetite loss, lethargy, difficult breathing. Particularly common in finches.
Diagnosing Bird Bacterial Infections
There are several ways avian vets can test for and diagnose bacterial infections in birds:
- Physical exam – checking the bird’s condition and looking for clinical signs of infection.
- Fecal gram stain – looking at feces under a microscope for abnormal bacteria.
- Complete blood count – evaluating bloodwork for increased white blood cells.
- Blood culture – growing blood samples in a laboratory to isolate bacteria.
- Swab culture – using a swab of infected areas like the choana to identify bacteria.
- Endoscopy – using a tiny camera inside the bird to visualize infections.
- Biopsy – taking a tissue sample for bacterial culture and sensitivity.
- PCR testing – testing for DNA of specific pathogens like Chlamydia.
Treatment can then be tailored to the type of bacteria cultured and its antibiotic sensitivity. Your avian vet is best equipped to determine what diagnostics and tests are needed for your bird’s condition.
Treating Bacterial Infections in Birds
Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotic medications specific to the type of parrot or bird. Common antibiotic medications prescribed by avian vets include:
Medication | Description |
---|---|
Doxycycline | Broad spectrum antibiotic in the tetracycline family. Often used for psittacosis. |
Enrofloxacin | Antibiotic of the fluoroquinolone family. Used for respiratory, gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections. |
Trimethoprim Sulfa | Antibiotic compound effective against many gram positive and negative bacteria. |
Cephalexin | First generation cephalosporin antibiotic. Used for bone, respiratory and soft tissue infections. |
Chloramphenicol | Broad spectrum antibiotic effective against gram negative bacteria like E. coli. |
Antibiotics may be given orally, injected, or nebulized and inhaled if the respiratory tract is infected. The course of medication is usually at least 2-3 weeks. Ensure your bird completes the full course of medication.
Your vet will also recommend proper sanitation of food bowls, water bottles, cages and toys to help resolve and prevent recurrence of infection. Probiotics can help replenish healthy gut bacteria following antibiotic treatment.
Birds being treated for infection should be quarantined from other birds to prevent disease spread. Follow up testing may be needed to confirm the infection has resolved.
Even with prompt treatment, bacterial infections can have lasting effects on a bird’s health. Your avian vet will advise on any long-term management or changes in care.
Preventing Bacterial Infections in Birds
You can take some key steps to avoid bacterial illnesses in your avian companions:
- Purchase birds from reputable, disease-free breeders.
- Quarantine new bird arrivals for 30-45 days.
- Ensure proper hygiene for food bowls, baths, cages, perches.
- Avoid overcrowding birds.
- Isolate any birds showing signs of illness.
- Limit stress for your birds.
- Feed a balanced diet low in iron, zinc and calcium.
- Have regular wellness exams with your avian vet.
- Vaccinate for preventable diseases like psittacosis.
Provide Prompt Veterinary Care
The key to treating bacterial infections successfully is rapid veterinary care at the first signs of illness. Birds are masters at hiding symptoms until an infection is severe. So monitor birds closely for subtle changes in feathers, activity level, droppings and behavior.
Don’t wait and hope symptoms resolve on their own. Bacterial infections require specific diagnosis through testing and timely medical treatment. Delays can have tragic consequences for your bird.
With prompt, specialized avian veterinary care, most bacterial infections can be cured and complications limited. Ongoing health maintenance and disease prevention steps will then help ensure your bird remains infection-free in the future.
Conclusion
Bacterial infections are common but potentially serious health issues for pet birds. Know the major warning signs of infection including changes in feather, skin, appetite, activity level, and droppings. Rapid weight loss, respiratory distress, vomiting, seizures, and bleeding all require emergency veterinary care.
Diagnosis is made through bloodwork, cultures, endoscopy, PCR testing, and other avian-specific methods. Treatment involves antibiotic medication tailored to the type of infection. Preventative steps like quarantine, sanitation, nutrition, and veterinary care are key. When it comes to bacterial disease, early diagnosis and prompt treatment provides birds with the best chance of recovery and a return to health.