Don't be too worried, unless it lasts for more than a day or so. Having runny or discolored poop is usually a sign of a change in his food. Have you fed him any fruit, veggies, or people food that he is not used too??? If so that is why!!! If it doesn't stop soon, you should see an avian vet, in the meantime check for a runny nose, or runny eyes... If you see this go to the vet immediately!!!! But most likely, it's only his diet---He hasn't gotten very cold recently has he, or exposed to cold drafts??? Parrots can become very sick this time of year in a cold climate, if they are not properly sheltered, and protected---Birdman
2006-12-17 13:54:02
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answer #2
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answered by birdman1890 3
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It could have this!!!
Parrot fever
Definition
Parrot fever is a rare infectious disease that causes pneumonia in humans. It is transmitted from pet birds or poultry. The illness is caused by a chlamydia, which is a type of intracellular parasite closely related to bacteria. Parrot fever is also called chlamydiosis, psittacosis, or ornithosis.
Description
Parrot fever, which is referred to as avian psittacosis when it infects birds, is caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Pet birds in the parrot family, including parrots, parakeets, macaws, and cockatiels, are the most common carriers of the infection. Other birds that may also spread C. psittaci include pigeons, doves, mynah birds, and turkeys. Birds that are carrying the organism may appear healthy, but can shed it in their feces. The symptoms of avian psittacosis include inactivity, loss of appetite and ruffled feathers, diarrhea, runny eyes and nasal discharge, and green or yellow-green urine. Sick birds can be treated with antibiotics by a veterinarian.
C. psittaci is usually spread from birds to humans through exposure to infected bird feces during cage cleaning or by handling infected birds. In humans, parrot fever can range in severity from minor flu-like symptoms to severe and life-threatening pneumonia.
Causes and symptoms
Parrot fever is usually transmitted by inhaling dust from dried bird droppings or by handling infected birds. Humans can also spread the disease by person-to-person contact, but that is very rare. The symptoms usually develop within five to 14 days of exposure and include fever, headache, chills, loss of appetite, cough, and tiredness. In the most severe cases of parrot fever, the patient develops pneumonia. People who work in pet shops or who keep pet birds are the most likely to become infected.
Diagnosis
Only 100-200 cases of parrot fever are reported each year in the United States. It is possible, however, that the illness is more common since it is easily confused with other types of influenza or pneumonia. Doctors are most likely to consider a diagnosis of parrot fever if the patient has a recent history of exposure to birds. The diagnosis can be confirmed by blood tests for antibodies, usually complement fixation or immunofluorescence tests. The organism is difficult to culture. A chest x ray may also be used to diagnose the pneumonia caused by C. psittaci.
Treatment
Psittacosis is treated with an antibiotic, usually tetracycline (Achromycin, Sumycin); doxycycline (Doxy, Vibramycin); or erythromycin (Eryc, Ilotycin). Oral medication is typically prescribed for at least 10-14 days. Severely ill patients may be given intravenous antibiotics for the first few days of therapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for recovery is excellent; with antibiotic treatment, more than 99% of patients with parrot fever will recover. Severe infections, however, may be fatal to the elderly, untreated persons, and persons with weak immune systems.
Prevention
As of 1998, there is no vaccine that is effective against parrot fever. Birds that are imported into the country as pets should be quarantined to ensure that they are not infected before they can be sold. Health authorities recommend that breeders and importers feed imported birds a special blend of feed mixed with antibiotics for 45 days to ensure that any C. psittaci organisms are destroyed. In addition, bird cages and food and water bowls should be cleaned daily.
Key Terms
Avian chlamydiosis
An illness in pet birds and poultry caused by . It is also known as parrot fever in birds.
An organism related to bacteria that infects some types of birds and can be transmitted to humans to cause parrot fever.
Chlamydiosis, psittacosis, or ornithosis
Other names for parrot fever in humans.
2006-12-17 12:04:27
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answer #3
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answered by HijabiMuslimah 3
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