Amazon Parrots – Diseases

The Diseases Amazon Parrots are most susceptible to bacterial infections, but can also be viral or nutritionally. Predominantly affects Mexican Red-Headed Amazons, Lilac-Crowned and Red-lored Amazons).

General Information about Amazon Parrots

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Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss:

Aspergillosis ( fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A), inhaled toxins

Upper Respiratory Infections: most commonly based on bacterial infections, but can also be viral or nutritionally. Predominantly affects Mexican Red-Headed Amazons, Lilac-Crowned and Red-lored Amazons)

Pox-virus Infections. Highly contagious. Predominantly affects Double Yellow and Yellow-naped Amazons.

Dietary Deficiencies: Due to their preference of seeds as primary food source. Vitamin A deficiencies in particular are common and exemplify themselves by oral abscesses, sub-mandibular swelling or by a blunting of the choanal papilla.

• Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection and to some parasites. Please refer to “ Bird Nutrition” for food items rich in Vitamin A.

Obesity – predominantly seen in Mealy and Blue-crowned Amazons. Hypothyroidism may be a factor.

Fatty Liver Syndrome – Again caused by their preference of seed-based diets.

Lead Poisoning exemplifying itself by red urine (hematuria) and acute depression.

Cloacal Papillomas. Affected birds may be straining to defecate or have blood in the stool. Owners may see a reddish growth protruding from the vent. This condition is suspected to be transmissible and affected parrots should not be included in a breeding program.

Seizures (affecting primarily Red-lored Amazons)

Cancer – particularly liver cancer — common in older amazons.

• Tumors: Tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous) and can involve any organ or system. Some species of birds tend to develop benign fatty tumors called “Lipomas.”
  • Lipomas are commonly seen in overweight Amazon Parrot, Rose-breasted Cockatoos and Budgies. It seems that older budgies are more prone to tumors of the ovary, testicle or kidney, which may eventually put pressure on the sciatic nerve on the affected side, resulting in lameness of the foot or leg. Fibromas are tumors found on the wing and they may need to be surgically removed. In some instances, amputation of the wing may be necessary.

The are especially susceptible to: Polyoma … Feather Plucking / Mutilation … Papilloma

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Other Relevant Web Resources

• Amazon Species … Photos of the Different Amazon Parrot Species for Identification
• Common Health Problems / Diseases of the Amazon Parrots
• Amazon Nutrition / Diet for Optimal Health
• Amazon Parrots as Pets
• Amazon Parrot Incubation Data

Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.

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