Advances in Avian Medicine

Antibiotics have been developed specifically for Psittacine birds (cockatoos, macaws, and parrots) who are infected with the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci. This disease, which can be transmitted from birds and other animals to humans causes severe and life-threatening pneumonia.

While research has uncovered many possible causes for egg binding, including nutritional, husbandry, and behavioral reasons, the exact mechanisms behind this disease remain unknown. There are many treatments, however, depending on the severity of the disease, which have been developed to help hens pass these eggs without significant side effects.

Significant advances in understanding the nutritional requirements for birds have been made in recent years. The symptoms of various nutritional diseases, such as iodine deficiency, are well recognized now and properly formulated diets have eliminated many of these conditions.

Feather pulling can be distressing to both pet birds and their owners. There are many causes of feather pulling, including parasites, skin-irritating conditions such as allergies, and hormonal disorders. Much study has gone into the psychological stresses that can lead to feather plucking and the environmental modifications and pharmacological treatments that can be used to treat the underlying cause.