Avian Polyoma Virus

Avian Polyoma Virus is a deadly virus that bird owners need to be aware of. It is most fatal to young Pisttacines. When a Pisttacine is infected before it is five months old is will most likely result in death. If your Pisttacine is later infected, no obvious symptoms will show but they can become disease carriers. This is concerning because a carrier can spread and kill other young birds around them.

This avian virus was revealed in 1981. It was first named the Budgerigar Fledgling Disease. It was then later changed to the Avian Polyoma Virus due to its classification as being part of the Polyoma orgin. It was found to be an un-encapsulated virus. In short it is a virus that needs living cells to replicate.

Luckily the virus has no effect on the human species but it can wipe out masses of bird species. The virus can effect a variety of different bird breads. It has been found to effect Macaws, Parakeets, Parrots, Amazons, Caiques, Conners, African Greys, Cockatoos, Lovebirds, Eclectus, Finches, And Cockatiels. The APV causes internal organ failure with in the birds bodily systems. The birds can not process food or water and suffers from internal bleeding. A few key factors that will show your bird is suffering from APV are recurring infections, scarce feather growth, as well as weight loss. The ultimate cause of death is renal failure.

APV is spread highly through the air and from carrier to bird contact. Unfortunately, even owners can even spread the virus through their breathing onto their pets. This is a very unfortunate virus because even if your bird survives, it can still pass the virus off onto its offspring. There is no cure yet for this virus but there is a preventative vaccine. The down fall is the expense but to ensure your birds safety it is worth it.

A young bird can receive the vaccination with in 5 weeks of birth with a booster shot a few weeks later. Your bird should take part in the vaccine annually to protect them from this killer. We want to cease this epidemic and keep our birds from dying too young. We also want to keep this horrid virus from spreading.