Lady Gouldian Finch | Issues | Gouldian Bacterial Infections

ORNITHOSIS/PSITTACOSIS

STREPTOCOCCUS/STAPYLOCOCCUS

E-COLI

SALMONELLA

Many of these diseases have very similar causes and symptoms. Treating with the wrong medication
can complicate matters, or even make things worse! If you suspect your bird may be ill with one of
these diseases, contact your Avian Veterinarian for verification before administering any medication!
Do not use any medication discussed here without first having your bird(s) checked by your Vet! The
results could be deadly! The issues discussed here are those most commonly seen in the aviary.

This is a serious disease that affects many bird species, including Gouldian finches. It is caused by Chlamydia (a rickettsia-like organism), an
intracellular disease, that without special precautions can be spread to humans through contact with infected feces and bodily fluids. It
spreads easily throughout the flock, especially when cages and accessories are not kept clean or when over crowded (poor animal husbandry
practices). When birds pick at food and bedding on the bottom of the cage they sometimes pick up bits of feces, ingesting it and becoming ill
with the disease. Keeping cages clean and with a minimal number of birds per cage can keep the chances of getting and spreading this
disease low, but once it is in the aviary it cannot be cured. Once your bird or birds are diagnosed with ornithosis, they will be considered
carriers for the remainder of their lives and should not be paired or bred. Some Veterinarians may even recommend euthanasia of any
infected birds.

Mutation Gouldians are more susceptible to ornithosis due to weaker genes, but all colors may contract the disease. Symptoms can vary, often
making it hard to diagnose without the aid of an Avian Veterinarian. Droppings may be watery and are usually greenish. Birds may sit fluffed,
sneeze a lot or scratch at their faces. They may also have a runny nose. They may sit fluffed up and motionless with their head tucked and
even a leg tucked up. Eye infections are not uncommon with this disease. Birds may sit with eyes at "half mast" as if they are sleepy. Poor
breeding results combined with other symptoms may be an indicator. If you are finding your birds won't come into breeding condition, you are
finding clear eggs in the nest, or they fall out of condition soon after courting begins, have your birds tested by an Avian Vet. If the disease
has progressed long enough, the bird may begin having trouble standing. This usually only happens when the bird is near death.

Psittacosis (Chlamydia) is usually treated with a tetracycline type antibiotic. Doxycycline or Chlortetracycline are usually prescribed.

Strep and Staph are spherical (cocci) shaped bacteria. Again, Strep and/or
Staph are often the result of poor animal husbandry practices. Often times, a
bird may have a wound that it keeps pecking at that just won't heal. If the
disease progresses long enough, septicemia may set in spreading it through
the blood stream.

Symptoms closely resemble those of Ornithosis and include panting, fluffing,
and depression - but may also be the opposite causing excess nervousness
and excitability. Birds with prolonged gastrointestinal problems should be
screened for staph/strep - in these birds, loss of color in the plumage (a
dullness) and extreme weight loss is typically seen. Infected birds may also
seize or convulse - this looks very much like a stroke. The joints are often
affected and may become swollen and irritated, though you should have your
Vet check the bird to rule out Gout. Usually with Strep, there will be what I
refer to as "sheaves of wheat" formations in the dropping samples. I will try to
post photos the next time I see them and can get good shots. Gout will often
be discernible by oxalate crystals in the fecal samples.

Because the treatments for Strep/Staph are different than that of Ornithosis,
and it is virtually impossible to diagnose without bacterial cultures, it is
important to have your bird(s) tested by an Avian Veterinarian before
medicating.

Penicillin/Amoxicillin type antibiotics are usually prescribed for this type of
infection, though your Veterinarian may prescribe one of the tetracyclines.

E.coli is a rod-shaped bacteria closely related to Salmonella. It can cause diarrhea,
inflamed oviduct (which could be a reason for egg binding if it occurs), peritonitis, and
pneumonia caused by failing circulation. It may also cause general listlessness.

Droppings may be anything from runny and yellow to dark brown and gritty looking. I have
seen E.coli colonies in just about every color and consistency of dropping. Often times the
birds belly will be enlarged and "bumpy" with obvious outlines of the intestines through the
skin of the abdomen.

"Clicking" and "tail bobbing" are also common signs of E.coli, so it is important to have your
bird checked by a professional. Because clicking noises are often diagnosed as air sac
mites, you should know and understand the symptoms of both diseases.

Trimethoprim/Sulfa, other sulphonamides, and occasionally Amoxicillin are usually
prescribed for this type of infection.

There are several species of salmonella, but only a few of them are ever seen in
caged birds - all of which can be transmitted to humans.

A salmonella outbreak can be transmitted through the egg shell from infected parent
birds to the growing embryos causing dead-in-shell chicks. It may be a result of
spoiled food (wet foods such as egg food and sprouts), poor husbandry practices, or
the presence of rodents and droppings in the aviary. Infected birds from an outside
source (such as a new addition to the aviary) can also transmit this disease to your
flock.

Symptoms typically show up in chicks and young juveniles and the observance of
dead-in-shell chicks. It is transmitted from infected parents to their young through the
feeding process. Chicks may be small and fail to thrive. "Wet Nest" is usually caused
by salmonella as the chicks foul the nest with loose, wet droppings. Hens may have a
wet belly indicating wet droppings in the chicks.

Increased thirst is often seen in the parent birds. Droppings may be watery yellow,
green or pale. Grey or blood tinged droppings are sometimes seen. "Wet Vent" is
also a potential sign of salmonella, but not always the case.

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Bacterial Infections

Salmonella is another bacterial infection diagnosed through bacterial cultures, but may also be determined through necropsy (as can the other
bacterial issues). If the bacteria is well established, your Veterinarian may recommend euthanasia.

Treatment takes time and great care must be taken to follow the directions to a T. If your Vet recommends follow-up treatments, be sure to
mark your calendar for start and finish, then re-treat dates.

Furazolidone, Spectomycin, and Sulphonamides are usually prescribed.

A FINAL WORD...

I cannot stress enough the importance of good hygiene and animal husbandry practices. All of these bacterial issues may be avoided with
proper habits. Because these are all transmittable to humans - and in some cases reportable to the CDC - it is imperative that you wash your
hands before handling your sick bird, after handling your sick bird, and each time you handle a different bird.

The average bird keeper does not have the lab equipment or expertise to determine the actual bacteria involved. If your bird is showing signs
of any of these bacterial infections, it is imperative you get them to an Avian Veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Failure to do so could
result in your own illness as well as the demise of your entire flock!

The use of "the wrong med at the wrong time" can make matters worse. It is therefore extremely important to know which bacteria you are
dealing with and which medication is the best to use BEFORE attempting to treat. A Veterinarian is the only one who can tell you!