JAMES HARRIS, DVM
Birds don't get fleas
 We have a yellow-nape Amazon, Gabby, and recently moved into a house that was infested with fleas. We have removed the fleas by bombing with aerosols and have cleaned up the residue. What can we do to ensure that Gabby is not going to get fleas and if he does, how do we rid him of the critters? Also, what other parasites should we watch for?
--Adrian Dangelser, Adrianjd@ncn.net
 The common dog and cat flea does not bother birds. If you have four-legged pets, ask your vet for advice on appropriate flea-control products and be sure to remove your birds from the house when you bomb.
External parasites are rare in domestically bred and raised exotic birds, but lets go over the ones that are possible.
Cockatiels occasionally suffer from lice. These pests look like tiny cigar-shaped insects attached to the ventral side of the wing feathers. Cockatiels, budgies and canaries can have scaley-face mites, which affect the cere, beak, eyelids, and feet.
The common red mite of poultry can also bother pet birds. The mites live in the cracks and crevices of the cage and crawl onto the sleeping bird at night to suck its blood. Before feeding, they look like moving brown pinpoints; engorged with blood, they appear as somewhat larger red dots.
If your bird has external parasites, your veterinarian can advise you on treatment. Steer clear of over-the-counter mite and lice sprays, mite-protector tins and deworming medication. Most of these products are ineffective at best and toxic at worst.
Intestinal parasites are a bigger problem. The most common
is giardia, a one-celled protozoal organism that sometimes affects cockatiels and budgies. Birds afflicted with this parasite may experience intense itching and damage feathers and skin in an attempt to relieve it.
Pet birds also occasionally acquire intestinal worms. A bird with worms usually has no symptoms unless heavily infested, which can result in an intestinal obstruction. Birds pick up worms after coming into contact with contaminated soil outside or the droppings of an infected bird.
If you suspect your bird has internal parasites, your vet can easily test for them. You can help by bringing a fresh dropping to the examination.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
ParrotChronicles.com. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.
Return to current Ask a Vet column
| 
