Bacteria That Affects Birds

People around the globe keep birds as pets or livestock. Bird owners should be aware of possible avian diseases, some of which are transferable to humans. Certain bacteria or bacteria-like organisms affect over 100 avian species, worldwide. Although a virus and not bacteria, informed and responsible bird owners can help avoid disease outbreaks and panic like that which occurred in 2003 and 2004 with the avian flu.

  1. Parrot Fever

    • Chlamydia psittaci, a bacteria-like organism, is the cause of parrot fever (psittacosis) that affects birds with curved beaks, like parrots and parakeets. In the U.S., chlamydiosis is a problem among turkeys and pigeons, while chickens are more resistant to the disease. Transmission of the bacteria occurs through inhalation of contaminated fecal dust and spread by carrier birds. Affected birds show signs of diarrhea, coughing and fluid discharge from the eyes and nose. Affected turkeys will show a drop in egg production. Treatment requires broad-spectrum antibiotics for birds and tetracycline for humans.

    Salmonella

    • Most animals and humans are susceptible to salmonella infection. Salmonella bacteria transmit through ingesting food contaminated by fecal matter. Infected chickens can pass the infection to their eggs, presenting a risk to humans who ingest uncooked eggs. One strain, known as salmonella Arizona occurs most often in reptiles and birds. Infected poultry show weakness, anorexia and shivering. Outbreaks among turkeys, chickens and canaries typically have up to 60-percent mortality. Most salmonella strains survive for several months in soil, feed and water.

    Avian Tuberculosis

    • The bacteria mycobacterium avium is the cause of avian tuberculosis, closely related to the bovine tuberculosis bacteria, which affects humans. Unlike most mycobacterium infections, M. avium is highly resistant to antibiotics; surgical removal of the affected lymph nodes is the only way to eliminate the disease. Due to this, depopulation of infected poultry flocks is the least costly option.

    Botulism

    • Botulism is a paralytic and often fatal disease of birds caused by ingesting a toxin produced by the bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. In the Great Lakes region, sporadic die-offs of gulls and loons are common. Botulism exists in the form of spores, commonly found in wetlands and lake around the U.S. Some environmental factors, such as fluctuating water levels, rotting vegetation and high temperatures, contribute to botulism outbreaks.

    Erysipelas

    • The bacteria, Erysipelothrix insidiosa is the cause of erysipelas disease in chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys. Erysipelas occurs most often in young male turkeys during fall and winter months. These bacteria live for long periods in soil, making recurrence common. Over-crowding, damp weather and poor sanitation increase the chances of an outbreak. Infected birds are visibly sick with general weakness, lack of appetite and yellowish or greenish diarrhea.