That Bird Blog » Health Disorders From Birds

The Cape Parrot – Africa’s Rarest Psittacine Threatened by Disease

findiviglio — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The problems afflicting the African Gray Parrot have been very much in the news recently (please see video below), and some important conservation efforts have been initiated. Less well-known, however, is the desperate situation facing the Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus. With a wild population hovering at approximately 800 individuals, this relative of the Senegal and Meyer’s Parrot is Africa’s rarest Psittacine, and the most threatened bird in South Africa.

650 Years of Habitat Destruction

The Cape Parrot is limited in range to mountainous forests in South Africa (please see photo), a habitat that has been heavily logged for over 650 years. In addition to actual habitat loss, deforestation also limits the availability of the tree hollows. Rare even in intact forests, hollows are essential to Cape Parrot nesting success…the bird cannot adapt and utilize alternative nest sites. Cape Parrots have also been hunted as crop pests and illegally collected for the pet trade.

Disease Complicates Conservation Efforts

But it is disease that may finally finish-off this beautiful, little-studied bird. Just as an unprecedented fungal epidemic is now causing amphibian extinctions worldwide, Cape Parrots are being decimated by a disease that seems not to have been a major threat in the past.

Over the past 5 years, increasing numbers of Cape Parrots have been succumbing to Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). Long known in both wild and captive populations of many species, PBFD has never affected so many individuals, and to such a degree, as now. In one study along the southern edge of their range, 100% of the Cape Parrots sampled tested positive. Ornithologists fear that some environmental factor is worsening the disease’s effects or increasing its ability to spread.

Food May Hold Survival Key

Aided by funding from the National Geographic Society, The Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology has launched the Cape Parrot Project. The effort is distinguished by its broad scope and, I believe, should be used as a template for others.

Researchers noticed that birds undergoing treatment for PBFD quickly began to put on weight and recover when they were fed Yellowwood Tree fruit. Subsequent lab tests confirmed that Yellowwood Tree fruit contains compounds that kill a variety of microbes. Yellowwood Trees are now scarce in the Cape Parrot’s range; a lack of this formerly common food may, to some degree, account for the species’ new susceptibility to PBFD. DNA sequencing of the PBFD virus was also commenced, in order to determine if a recent mutation might be involved.

Other work is in progress. Twenty-five thousand native trees have been planted in Cape Parrot habitat, and 600 nest boxes have been erected. Local communities are paid to care for and monitor the new trees. Potentially toxic plants, introduced from the USA, Japan, Mexico and India, are being studied, and supplementary food sources have been planted. The rehabilitation of PBFD-infected parrots continues. It is hoped that a new population of disease-free Cape Parrots can be established in an area from which they disappeared over 150 years ago.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments below…I’ll be sure to respond quickly. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.

Clean Air for You and Your Birds – Ozone Generators, Ionizers or Air Purifiers?

findiviglio — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:34:53 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. When I first began working with birds in zoo collections, older keepers warned me about respiratory ailments such as “Bird Breeder’s Lung” and “Poultry Worker’s Disease”. Several of my co-workers were always short of breath and coughed frequently. Eventually, some were diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis (a/k/a Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis), which results from inhaling organic dust and other irritating substances. Private bird owners are also sometimes afflicted with this condition, and birds themselves may sicken and die when exposed to certain common airborne particles and chemicals. Unfortunately, advertisements for air-cleaning devices have confused rather than clarified the options available to us; some are actually harmful (yet still on the market!) while others are highly effective.

Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

In addition to bird owners, people involved farming and certain other occupations frequently inhale substances that are harmful to the respiratory system. A slew of common names has arisen, including Mushroom Picker’s Disease, Farmer’s Lung and Air-Conditioner Lung.

Among those working with birds, Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis is most commonly seen where large collections are housed indoors with poor ventilation, or where aviaries are not cleaned on a regular basis. However, a single bird or cage can initiate health problems, especially in those who are sensitive or are afflicted with asthma.

Cockatoos and other species that produce a great deal of dander are of special concern. In addition to the fine powder these birds produce, dust from dried feces, feathers and nesting material, along with molds and fungi (please see photo), can cause lung damage. I know of several zoo-workers who have become sensitized to the dust generated by cricket colonies (raised for feeding birds); I myself now sneeze violently when near crickets in a confined area.

Acute and Chronic Forms

Acute Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis results from a single exposure to a large amount of dust or dander. A cough and flue-like symptoms, including fever, usually manifest within several hours of the incident.

Chronic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis occurs in response to repeated, long-term inhalation of irritating particles. Over time, less and less exposure is needed to trigger injury. Permanent scarring of the lungs, known as Pulmonary Fibrosis, and other serious damage to the respiratory system may result.

Ionizers and Ozone Generators

Although marketed as being able to “scrub the air”, these appliances do not remove airborne dust to a significant degree. Both generate ozone, an unstable oxygen molecule (O3).

Ozone is an effective germicide and has a number of legitimate uses, including the treatment of waste water and exhaust gasses. However, both the Environmental Protection Agency and the American Lung Association caution against the indoor use of ozone-generating devices. In relatively small amounts, ozone has been shown to trigger asthma attacks and to reduce lung elasticity and the immune system’s ability to fight respiratory infections. Aviculturists have also linked individual and group bird deaths to ozone.

Air Purifiers

High Efficiency Particle Arresting (HEPA) Air Purifiers are the best option for protecting the lungs of both bird and bird owner. “HEPA” is a government-established standard. In order to be so rated, the unit must remove 99.97% of those airborne particles that exceed 3 microns in size. The dander and dust typically associated with birds and other pets will be captured by a HEPA air purifier.

Many air purifiers also utilize activated carbon to remove fumes and chemicals from the air. The fumes generated by household cleaners, burning Teflon (used to coat cookware) and similar sources are unhealthy for people and birds alike.

Please see the article below to learn more about specific HEPA Air Purifiers.

Please check out my posts on Twitter and Facebook. Each day, I highlight breaking research, conservation news and interesting stories concerning just about every type of animal imaginable. I look forward to hearing about your interests and experiences as well, and will use them in articles when possible.

Please also post your questions and comments here…I’ll be sure to respond quickly.

Thanks, until next time,

Frank Indiviglio