piscattine beak and feather disease?

Question

what would you do?
I have a quaker diagnosed with PBFD... now, many birds can live out their lives with it, but that means they need to be separated from all other birds for life.
Do I put him down so that there is no chance of him infecting other birds, and so that if the disease takes over its short and sweet instead of drawn out?
or do I try to find him a home, with the understanding that he may die within a year, and they can never ever have another parrot as long as he is alive?

he also has a tumor.

its not comunicable to humans.. heres a list of ones that are:
http://www.petcaretips.net/bird-disease-transmit-human.html

but it is fatal to birds, easily transmissible, and I have other parrots. In other words, he has to go somewhere else.

He is in the first stages of this disease, which is deformed feathers. Next is balding, loosing his beak, and then death.
more info on the disease here
http://www.avianbiotech.co.uk/PBFD2en.htm

Answer 1

PBFD is a serious condition and not treatable, it is like AIDS in birds. The new pin feathers will not grow, the beak will begin to rot and when that happens the bird should be put down, because thats when the pain sets in. I had a medium sulpher crested cockatoo with PBFD, and once her beak started to rot the vet advised me she was in pain and should be put down. No one really knows how long the bird has before the beak begins to rot, but from experience it's not an easy thing to do, but I didn't want my bird to be in any pain. And before bringing a new bird into your home, be sure to disinfect everything really good. I hope this helps you, I now have 2 more exotics and they are healthy and happy. Always have your new bird checked by your avian vet to make sure he/she is healthy and free of disease.

Answer 2

I think you should keep your quaker to live out his life. However, it requires more effort from you and your household because this means changing clothes and ideally, showering between handling him and the other birds. If you can find a family or person willing to take him in, let this be a very smooth transitioning process so he's not just being torn away from you, and you should still visit him afterwards so it's less of a confusing and stressful situation for him.

These are still the early stages, and it seems he's not in pain yet. When his behaviour starts to change and you can tell his quality of life is not what it used to be and never will be again, that would be a time to consider euthanizing. Make the potential last few months of his life worth living and make sure he knows, feels, and sees how much love you have for him. Of course, keep in touch with an avian vet to make sure he's properly assessed alongway of treatment (say if he needs pain medication at some point or to give you a clearer diagnosis or progression).

http://www.avianbiotech.com/Diseases/PBFD.htm This site claims that some adults are able to get through the disease. "Older birds may overcome the disease with few lasting affects. Some believe that these surviving birds become carriers able to shed the disease at a later date. Others believe that a percentage of birds are able to eradicate the disease from their system leaving them with a natural immunity that can be passed on to their offspring." You may want to ask the vet about the chances of that happening in your quaker.

I'm so sorry about the news, but remember, make his and your memories worth it. Good luck.

Answer 3

I have two Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoos with PBFD. One has a severe case and has never had a single feather, the other looks normal physically, but has had blood tests that indicate he has been exposed to the disease. It is my understanding that a bird can only contract PBFD for a very short time while it is in the nest. Alot of wild birds are carriers, but a chick has to experience a stressful situation during a fairly narrow window of time to contract the disease. I have had many young fledglings near and in contact with my PBFD birds, and have never had a single problem. So, it's my opinion that unless you chose to breed your birds, the PBFD isn't going to be a problem. The tumour is another matter.

Answer 4

If the bird is in pain, I would put him down. If the bird is happy and not in pain then I would donate him to a special person that only wants one bird and let them give him a good home for what time he has left if you are unable to keep him for whatever reason. I wouldn't want to be put down just because I might get my roommates sick. I wish you luck in whatever you decide. I know it will be a hard one to make.

Answer 5

The images of his beak are related to, the deformity in his beak isn't inconsistent with PBFD, inspite of the truth that it may easily produce different causes. His feathers are somewhat more suitable promising -- somewhat scruffy, yet no longer something too alarming that i could see. you ought to quarantine and get Oliver to a vet for a blood try ASAP. best of luck.

Answer 6

I would keep him and let him live out his life in comfort and security. Rehomed birds don't understand what is going on and will be stressed. You would be dooming him by doing this.

I wouldn't put him down unless his quality of life goes down. As long as he is keeping his weight up and isn't in pain, let him live. When he can no longer do those things then put him down so he doesn't suffer.

Answer 7

It sounds very unpleasant for the bird. It seems, if it's going to lose it's beak, that keeping it alive only soothes your conscience... I'd take it to a vet and have it euthanized, quick and painless.

Answer 8

Are you positive ? Because I'd have to put him down. I have 6 birds to think about.
Besides, did you know it's communicable to humans ? I have cockatoos and that's what the vet has little brochures about in his waiting room about.