James Harris, DVM
Weak feathers might be symptom of PBFD
 I am not a native speaker so I am worried I could describe the problem
properly, but I'll try to. My rosella (Platycercus eximius) suddenly started to loose feather, mainly from the wings and tail, now she has not the tail at all and the wings are
in such condition she is unable to fly. The new feather grows, but when it
reaches certain size, it bends, turns gray, breaks in the quill and falls.
The fallen feather is torn and barbs can be very easily removed from the
shaft. It looks like a kind of parasite eating her new fresh feather so it
fails to grow to full length. Is there any treatment to this?
I hope I described the problem understandable.
-- Petr Stedina, Prague
 I am very concerned about your bird. Although I cannot make a diagnosis without examining the bird and running tests, abnormal feathers that easily break, have poor structure or fall out may be the result of a viral disease called Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. The virus is easily spread via feces and feather material. In addition to the effect it has on feather and sometimes beak growth, PBFD also attacks the immune system, leaving the bird more susceptible to other infections.
Although some birds with PBFD can survive for quite some time, most eventually die. Because of its highly contagious nature, especially among young birds, suspected cases of PBFD should be isolated from other parrots. In sum, its unlikely your birds feather problem is being caused by an external parasite. You should take her to an avian veterinarian and have a blood test done to determine if she has PBFD.
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.
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