Bird beak and feather disease is caused by a viral infection that damages or kills the cells of the bird’s beak and feathers. The virus that causes beak and feather disease can also seriously damage the bird’s immune system, making him susceptible to other serious infections. Although bird beak and feather disease was first found among cockatoos, it is known to affect pet birds of many other species as well, often at a young age. Symptoms of bird beak and feather disease may develop very suddenly, especially in the case of young birds, or they may have a more gradual onset. Young birds usually develop an acute form of bird beak and feather disease, in which the developing feathers bleed, fracture, or fall out. In some cases, there may be no noticeable changes in the young bird’s feathers, but he may have a serious loss of appetite or may stop eating entirely, often accompanied by diarrhea and lack of activity. Prompt attention is needed for young bird’s affected by bird beak and feather disease, because death can occur quickly. Older birds tend to display a much slower progression of symptoms, which is considered a more chronic form of bird beak and feather disease. In older birds, new feathers are affected as soon as they emerge from the follicle. These damaged feathers are referred to as being dystrophic, and may be very short, have blood in the shafts, retain their feather sheaths, and be curled or otherwise deformed. Contour feathers are usually affected first, and an infected bird may lose contour feathers all over the body. A bird with bird beak and feather disease will also often develop a glossy beak that can grow abnormally long. The beak may also begin to develop cracks and spits that can lead to breakage or peeling. The beak can also become susceptible to infection from bacteria or fungi. These beak problems can cause eating to be very painful for a bird affected by bird beak and feather disease. Bird beak and feather disease is contagious and can be spread through virus particles that are ingested or inhaled. These particles are often found in the feather dust of infected birds, as well as in droppings and crop secretions of infected birds. Some birds may be infected without showing symptoms, so any bird that tests positive for bird beak and feather disease should not be exposed to any other birds and should be retested after 90 days. There is no known treatment or cure for bird beak and feather disease. Some older birds appear to recover spontaneously, while others may live with the disease for years. Any bird infected by the disease must be kept permanently segregated from other birds, to prevent spreading the disease. Most young birds affected by bird beak and feather disease die.
