Avian tuberculosis in canaries and finches
Other names: Tuberculosis
Symptoms
- Chronic weight loss even though the bird eats
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy, more in older birds
How it spreads
Swallowing the bacterium from the environment and droppings.
Diagnosis
Acid-fast stain or PCR of droppings or liver (Merck). A negative result does not rule out the disease.
Treatment
Treatment is very long (6-12 months with more than one drug) and impractical in small finches. The vet will usually advise culling the bird and disinfecting the place. [Update 3] Merck (for information, if the vet decides to treat): 3 drugs together daily for 6-12 months or more, for example rifabutin 45 mg/kg, clarithromycin 60-85 mg/kg, ethambutol 30 mg/kg, enrofloxacin 20-30 mg/kg, with monthly follow-up of weight, blood and liver and a fecal test for Candida. Birds with granulomas have a poor prognosis. (All under veterinary supervision.)
Prevention
Isolate weak birds and necropsy any bird that dies with chronic weight loss.
Season
Year-round
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Bacterial enteritis (E. coli and relatives)
- Salmonellosis
- Mycoplasmosis (sinusitis and eye infection)
- Chlamydiosis (psittacosis)
- Campylobacteriosis
- Contaminated water infection (Pseudomonas/Klebsiella)
- Bumblefoot and skin infection
- Yersiniosis (pseudotuberculosis)