Fungal Infections in Exotic Birds-Treatment Options and Care

Exotic birds, such as parrots, cockatoos, and macaws, can suffer from various fungal infections that need prompt diagnosis and treatment. Some common fungal infections seen in pet birds include aspergillosis, candidiasis, and dermatophytosis. If left untreated, these infections can be fatal. As an exotic bird owner, it is crucial to learn about these infections, their causes, symptoms to watch out for, available treatment options and proper care required during and after treatment. In this article we talk about Fungal Infections in Exotic Birds-Treatment Options and Care.

What Causes Fungal Infections in Birds?

Birds can catch fungal infections through various means:

• Inhalation of fungal spores from the environment
• Ingestion of food or water contaminated with fungi
• Spread from infected birds in aviaries or bird shows through close contact
• Suppressed immune system due to stress, poor nutrition, concurrent diseases etc. allowing overgrowth of opportunistic fungi already present in the body

Birds like African greys, cockatoos and macaws with weaker immunity are more prone to fungal diseases. Changes in environment, diet, and activity levels also act as predisposing factors.

Common Fungal Infections in Pet Birds

Some of the common fungal infections seen in pet birds include:

Aspergillosis: Caused by the Aspergillus fungus, this respiratory infection affects the bird’s lungs and air sacs. Symptoms involve breathing difficulties, loss of voice, discharge from nostrils and mouth, sluggishness and weight loss.

Candidiasis: An infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans that affects the crop, mouth, throat, and esophagus of birds. Symptoms include lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing, white plaques or lesions in the mouth and crop.

Dermatophytosis: A fungal skin infection caused by ringworm that results in feather loss and scaly skin. Often starts near the beak and eyes that later spreads to other areas.

Treatment Options for Fungal Infections

Several oral antifungal medications are available for treating fungal infections in birds:

• Fluconazole
• Itraconazole
• Voriconazole
• Posaconazole
• Terbinafine

The choice and dosage of medication depends on the type and severity of infection. Treatment duration is usually several weeks to months. Antifungal medications have potential side effects so monitoring organ function and blood tests are necessary.

Local antifungal ointments and medicated shampoos may also be prescribed for skin infections. For respiratory aspergillosis, nebulization is an effective treatment option. In severe cases, hospitalization and injectable antifungal drugs may be required.

Surgical removal of fungal masses or granulomas may also supplement medical treatment in some cases. Good nursing care and stress-free recovery are vital for positive outcomes.

Caring for Birds Undergoing Fungal Infection Treatment

Providing proper care and a suitable environment for an infected bird supports faster healing:

Housing

• Keep the bird warm, stress-free and indoors away from drafts during medical treatment
• Use a hospital cage lined with clean newspaper for easy cleaning
• Avoid exposure to environments that risk reinfection

Hydration & Nutrition

• Ensure abundant fresh water and a high-quality diet
• Feed soft foods and hand feed if required to prevent malnutrition and choking
• Give immune-boosting foods like berries, greens, sprouted seeds etc.

Monitoring

• Observe for side effects of medications like loss of appetite or vomiting
• Weigh daily to track weight changes that signal treatment progress
• Notice activity levels and attitude which indicate health status

Beak/Nail Care

• Inspect and trim overgrown beak and nails if infected bird cannot self-groom

Cage Cleaning

• Clean the cage daily wearing gloves to prevent disease spread. Use disinfectants.
• Remove droppings, leftover food and replace cage lining frequently

Follow Up

• Give antifungal drugs consistently for the entire prescribed duration
• Do not stop treatment halfway even if symptoms resolve
• Get follow up tests done to check infection clearance from the body

Isolate recovered birds for some weeks and slowly reintroduce into the flock to prevent recurrence. With an awareness of common fungal infections in birds, prompt vet assistance for diagnosis and treatment, as well as dedicated nursing care during recovery, exotic bird owners can successfully manage these conditions. I sincerely hope you find this “Fungal Infections in Exotic Birds-Treatment Options and Care” article helpful.