4 Common Bacterial Diseases in Birds

Birds are prone to have some diseases, such as mentioned in symptoms of liver disease in birds. The disease include both the bacterial and fungal diseases. Birds can be healthy pets if they are cared with good nutrition and live in healthy environment.

However, bacteria can also be found anywhere, and they may infect your bird pets. Your bird pets may get infected by some bacteria if their immune system is weak or not strong enough.

As a bird parent, it is very important to be aware of the common bacterial diseases happening in bird pets. By getting to know the diseases, you will be able to decide how to treat them, though most of the treatment is done by the vet.

Hence, you can also get the idea about what to prepare or to do while your bird pet is getting bacterial disease. Let’s read more about the 4 common bacterial diseases happening to birds.

• Salmonella

Salmonella is common among pets, such as cats. There are some symptoms of salmonellosis in cats. However, it can also infect birds. There are several types of Salmonella, however the most common Salmonella infecting birds is Subgenus 1.

This bacteria can be carried by native wild birds. The companion birds can pass on the infection to human too and vice versa. The birds would likely to be infected once their immune system is low. Salmonella can also be caused by poor hygiene, such as contaminated food bowls or water stations.

When a bird is infected by Salmonella Subgenus 1, they would likely experience the following symptoms: poop droppings of a sulphur yellowish green color, weight loss and diarrhea, arthritis (in pigeons), excessive persistent thirst, dermatitis and signs of scratching more than usual.

If your bird pet experiences one of these symptoms, then you can contact the vet. Salmonela is treatable, but age also affects the success of the treatment.

To prevent this infection to your pet birds, then you can make sure to keep the bowl and water station clean. Provide plenty of water as well to prevent dehydration.

• E. coli

Escherichia coli or known as E. coli is possibly distributed among birds of all ages. This bacteria is a natural inhabitant of the gut in birds and most other animals. Normally, it is kept in check by other bacterium in the gut, however, in large colonies, it can cause severe discomfort, illness and even death.

This bacteria is opportunistic in nature and able to grow quickly in times of stress. Poor husbandry is also another common cause of infection caused by this bacteria.

If birds do not get regular access to clean and fresh water or even when the litter is allowed to remain wet, then this bacterial will spread rapidly throughout a house.

 The symptoms of this bacterial disease include: listlessness, ruffled feathers, depression, decreased appetite, cough, and labored breathing. In severe cases, some symptoms, such as yellowish colored droppings, diarrhea and soiled vent openings are also common.

To prevent this bacterial disease, you need to provide healthy and clean environment for the birds. Make sure they are not stressed and provide proper ventilation so that the litter stays dry. Provide adequate amount of fresh water and food too so all the birds are able to get their fill.

• Avian Typhoid

This disease is caused by bacteria called Salmonella gallinarum, Salmonella pullorum and they are carried by birds. The common factor triggering this condition is the unsanitary conditions. This disease mainly affects poultry, however, it also can affect other birds, including wild birds.

The common symptoms of this avian typhoid are anorexia, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness and even death. Vaccination is one of the ways to immunize the birds in fighting against the avian typhoid.

• Avian Cholera

Another bacterial disease experienced by birds is avian cholera. This is an infectious disease of domestic and wild birds caused by the bacteria called Pasteurella multocida.

This bacteria has been reported in over 190 species of birds. Waterfowl and coots are the most commonly affected species, and they mostly experience major mortality events.

The common signs of this bacterial infection include lethargy, green, yellow or blood stained diarrhea, and difficulty in breathing. Birds may also tend to fly erratically. There may be some mucoid nasal or oral discharge too.

If you suspect your bird to have avian cholera, make sure to wear gloves, wash hands and try to work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. This infection can spread very quickly, so once you suspect any of your birds, bring it immediately to the vet. Spend time reading about these signs of fowl cholera in your poultry.

Are you planning to have some bird pets at home, then you can take a look at the list of these best quieter pet birds that won’t bother you and popular bird breeds to pet.