Megabacteriosis in a flock of budgerigars

Authors: Hunter JEB, Christensen NH, Alley MR
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 45, Issue 5, pp 196-198, Oct 1997
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Growth/development, Mortality/morbidity, Treatment/therapy
Article class: Clinical Communication

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Abstract: Megabacteriosis was diagnosed as the cause of depression and wasting in a flock of breeding budgerigars in the Manawatu. Large numbers of megabacteria were detected in direct smears from mucosal scrapings of the proventriculus of two birds and in the faeces of live birds. The diagnosis was confirmed by demonstrating a chronic proventriculitis histologically associated with megabacterial organisms. Treatment of seven individuals with amphotericin B resulted in clinically sustained weight gain over a 10-week period. Treatment of the whole flock resulted in the resumption of normal condition, behaviour and activity.

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