Gram-negative bacterial infection (E. coli/Klebsiella/Pseudomonas) in parrots
Other names: Bacterial diarrhea، Septicemia
Symptoms
- Watery or foul-smelling droppings
- Ruffled feathers, lethargy
- Sinusitis (especially Klebsiella)
- Chick deaths in the nursery
How it spreads
Contaminated water and food, unclean hand-feeding utensils, abandoned feeding formula.
Diagnosis
Gram stain of droppings/crop, culture and sensitivity.
Treatment
Antibiotic according to culture and sensitivity only; supportive with fluids and warmth. [Update 3] Merck: Gram-negatives (Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, Enterobacter, Proteus, Citrobacter, E. coli, Serratia) are the most common pathogens; treatment depends on the site of infection, the culture and sensitivity; poor husbandry and nutrition are a key factor.
Prevention
Prepare fresh formula for every feed, sterilize syringes, change water daily (twice in summer), clean the waterers.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Chlamydiosis (parrot fever)
- Avian tuberculosis (mycobacteria)
- Salmonella
- Chronic sinusitis (mycoplasma)
- Clostridial infection
- Bumblefoot