Post by Shirl on Apr 5, 2010 12:28:17 GMT -5
Greetings!
I am writing to you to keep you informed and up to date with the latest advances in pet care that we can provide for you at Animal and Bird Medical Center of Palm Harbor. We are happy to serve you and your pet's every need. We hope you enjoy our monthly newsletter!
Sarcosporidiosis
Sarcosporidiosis is the number one cause of death in outdoor Old World parrot species in Florida. Old World species include cockatiels, budgerigars, African greys, Cockatoos, Ringnecks - basically any parrot species that does not originate from Central or South America.
The organism that causes this disease is called Sarcocystis falcatula, which is a protozoal parasite excreted by opossums. Sarcosporidiosis is the most common cause of death in outdoor birds, especially in areas where the opossum live.
The life cycle of Sarcocystis falcatula
This parasite starts out in infected wild birds. Dead birds are then eaten by opossums. Five to ten days after being infected, the parasite begins to shed and continues shedding for 90 to 105 days. During this time period, the opossum contaminates the ground, tops of aviaries, and any other place where the opossum eliminates infected feces. As for outdoor aviaries, when it rains, contaminated feces can be washed onto perches, food, and even the bird itself. Additionally, cockroaches and rats will consume the opossum feces. Rats and cockroaches are non-host species and the parasite passes through their intestinal tracts into the feces and potentially into the bird's food and/or nest box. Then your pet bird ends up consuming the parasite unintentionally. It moves from the intestinal tract to vital organs. The first phase usually affects the lining of blood vessels, especially in the lungs. This results in pulmonary hemorrhage. If your pet bird survives this initial attack, the parasite becomes embedded and spreads to muscle and brain tissue. This parasite is not spread from bird to bird. It must go through the life cycle in the opossum to become infectious.
This disease usually only affects Old World parrots such as African greys, cockatoos, eclectus, parakeets and cockatiels. Birds that are from South America such as macaws, conures and Amazons are usually immune.
Signs of Illness
When infected, some pet birds will show no signs of being sick; death occurs suddenly. Almost always, the bird's urine will change to a yellow color a few days before showing any signs. In some instances, the bird may appear to lose its balance (ataxia) and be mentally dazed. Often because of ataxia, the bird can not make it to the food and water bowls and becomes dehydrated and anorexic. In its chronic form, the bird will be emaciated. Neurological signs are usually loss of balance, trembling, and stupor. On occasion, a pet bird can get aspergillosis as a secondary infection due to immunosuppression.
A very frequent sign - that is not very specific - is a parrot that normally talks a lot will often stop talking for 1 to 2 days before death.
Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is very difficult with sarcosporidiosis. Birds will often act slightly depressed and has yellow urates in urine. On blood tests, all of the biochemical parameters are usually normal with the exception of a greatly elevated CPK and slightly elevated SGOT. If the disease is suspected, we usually treat until proven otherwise because once the full blown symptoms occur a pet bird usually dies within hours.
Treatment
If Sarcosporidiosis is suspected, treatment must be started quickly and aggressively. Sulfa drugs such as Trimethoprim, Albon, or Primor can be effective if therapy is started swiftly. A new protozoal drug called Marquis is also very effective. These drugs are used for about 1 to 6 months after clinical signs improve.
Although these drugs work well for Sarcosporidiosis, some birds can die a month later due to pulmonary aspergillosis. This is because of the immunosuppression caused by Sarcosporidiosis, so an immune stimulant may be helpful.
Prevention
The best way of preventing Sarcosporidiosis is to not let the parasite enter or get around any of your pet birds. Since all outdoor insects are exposed to opossums, they have to all be considered infectious.
This means that the bird needs to be protected against any rodents or insects that may be carrying the parasite. It is best to keep susceptible birds in screened-in patios with solid roofs. Monitor closely at night to make sure the screens are keeping out the cockroaches. Even better is to keep these parrots indoors.