West Nile virus in parrots
Other names: West Nile
Symptoms
- Lethargy, weight loss
- Head tremors, incoordination, blindness, seizures, death
How it spreads
Culex mosquitoes; outdoor birds are more exposed. The virus is historically known in Egypt and the Nile Valley.
Diagnosis
Difficult before death; repeated antibodies after two weeks, PCR, and necropsy (brain and kidneys).
Treatment
Supportive only. [Update 3] Merck: there is no specific treatment; some birds improve with support. A recombinant vaccine worked in some birds: 2–4 weeks before mosquito season with a booster after 3 weeks (availability in Egypt is not confirmed). Parrots are relatively resistant and cases were in adult outdoor birds.
Prevention
Indoor housing or housing covered with mosquito netting during mosquito season, traps, removal of standing water.
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD)
- Polyomavirus
- Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) / bornavirus
- Pacheco's disease (psittacid herpesvirus)
- Internal papillomatosis
- Avian pox
- Newcastle disease (bird paralysis)
- Avian influenza