Infectious Diseases Of Birds Of Prey
Test Your Knowledge Q & A
Cat Bite
A bite from a cat can cause a fatal bacterial infection within 3 days due to septicemia. What is one of the more common forms of bacteria that a cat may transfer with the bite?
• Answer
Pasturella multocida is a gram-negative bacterium, which can spread systemically within hours following a bite.
Virus
What is the virus of raptors usually effecting the non-feathered portions of the face and feet, and is considered in most cases self- limiting?
• Answer
The avipox virus in raptors affects the non-feathered areas of the bird. In most cases it is self-limiting, but can take several weeks to resolve. Some birds may require medical attention for secondary bacterial infections of the skin.
Virus
This virus is an arbovirus (mosquito-born virus) affecting birds world- wide. Three stages of infection have been reported, starting with anorexia, depression and regurgitation, often progressing to seizures and death. What virus is this?
• Answer
West Nile Virus. Over 300 species of birds have been affected by WNV. Birds are considered the primary host for WNV and the transmission of this virus is propagated between the bird and mosquito vectors, especially Culex spp.
Parasite
What parasite is found in the air sacs of falcons and may cause respiratory dysfunction?
• Answer
Serratospiculum sp. is a filarial nematode that can reside in the air sacs. A variety of falcons are susceptible to this nematode depending on the geographical location of the falcon.
Virus
The peregrine falcon is a natural host for this virus. Gyrfalcons are relatively resistant to disease, but this virus can be lethal in the Fijian peregrine, Orange-Breasted falcon, American kestrel, Mauritius kestrel, Merlin and neonatal Aplomado falcons. What virus is this?
• Answer
Falcon Adenovirus. This virus does not affect hawks and eagles.
Infectious
A raptor housed in close proximity to or eats pigeons showing signs of head tilt, torticollis and upper respiratory disease may be exposed to what infectious virus?
• Answer
Pigeon Paramyxovirus is a condition in pigeons, many of whom show no clinical signs, but can be a source of infection to the raptors held in close proximity and exposed to infectious respiratory secretions or feces or eating infected pigeons.
Infectious
A raptor eating wild duck can be exposed to what devastating bacteria causing illness and death?
• Answer: Fowl cholera also known as Avian Pasteurellosis or Avian Hemorrhagic Septicemia is caused by the gram-negative bacteria Pasteurella multocida. Infections with P. multocida are considered a contagious disease and death can be acute occurring within 6-12 hours post exposure. Most commonly death may occur 24-48 hours post exposure.
