Description
Polyoma virus is a very stable virus and can live up to 6 months in an environment . It is easy to transmit from pet shops, bird marts, bird owner's homes, virtually anywhere birds can be found. The pathogen is considered one of the most significant to cage birds around the world. The highly infectious disease effects most if not all parrot species. Most birds infected will die within a few days and no specific treatment is available. Most birds that die from Polyoma are under 100 days old, BUT IT CAN AFFECT ANY AGE BIRD. Polyoma is believed to have an incubation period of approximately two weeks or less.
Transmission
The disease can be spread from one bird to another via feather dust, feces, aerosols, parental feeding of chicks or direct contact with infected environments. Birds that are infected but do not have any obvious signs of infection are often responsible for spreading the virus to a bird store or aviary.
Symptoms
Symptoms include swollen abdomen, depression, loss of appetite, anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying, regurgitation, dehydration, diarrhea, feather abnormalities hemmorrhages under the skin, tremors, paralysis and acute death. The best way to prevent this deadly virus in your birds is to vaccinate ALL the birds in your home. The vaccination schedule is two initial boosters three weeks apart and then yearly boosters thereafter.
Prevention
Isolate all birds shedding the disease. Disinfect all contaminated surfaces with an oxidizer such as chlorine bleach (Polyoma virus is resistant to many disinfectants.)
*Alcohol does not work as it is not an oxidizer.
Vaccinate
A vaccine is available and the cost is approximately $20-$60 per bird depending on your veterinarian. Additional booster shots are required yearly
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