Bacterial Infections

What is a bacterial infection?

There are a number of different bacterial infections birds can get and they can affect any of the organ systems. The most common infections affect the upper respiratory tract or sinuses, intestinal tract and liver, the urinary tract, reproductive tract, and the skin and feather follicles. 

How is it transmitted?

In most cases, birds are more susceptible to bacterial infections due to some underlying issues. If bacteria is allowed to excessively grow in their environment, the bird’s immune system can’t fight it all off. The bird may also be weakened due to stress, poor nutrition, or poor husbandry and will get an infection. 

What are the signs?

Depending on the infection, the signs will vary. In a respiratory infection, some signs will be sneezing, nasal discharge, and inflamed eyes. If the sinuses are affected there will be swelling around the eyes. Birds with infections involving the liver may have a decreased appetite, vomit or regurgitate, have diarrhea, or be depressed. Urinary tract infections are also possible with signs including drinking a lot of water and runny droppings. The birds may also be losing weight even if they are eating normally.

Birds can also get bacterial skin infections. Picking excessively and losing feathers can be a sign of this or finding inflammation or redness around the feather follicle. Feather picking is not necessarily related to a bacterial infection, but could be a symptom. Birds pick at their feathers for a variety of reasons and it is hard to determine why. If your bird starts feather picking, bring him to the vet to rule out any potential health issues.

How can you treat it?

The best treatment for bacterial infections is prevention, but if your bird does get a bacterial infection, it can usually be treated with an antibiotic. These could be oral antibiotics, drops, or another mode of administration. 

How is it prevented?

Good nutrition and cleanliness are the most important factors in prevention of disease. Keeping the bacteria away from your bird lowers the risk of him getting an infection. Keeping your bird’s cage clean and free of droppings and excessive food will help immensely. Giving your bird only enough food for a day will prevent bacterial growth on the old food. Birds also enjoy dunking their food in their water and this can lead to bacterial growth in their water, so frequent (at least daily) changes of your bird’s water will help decrease bacterial growth. Using a bottle for water instead of dish will eliminate the chance of droppings and food contaminating the water.