Cockatoo Borna Virus and Feather Destructive Behavior Treatment for Long Island Patient at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic

Case Study #24: Diagnosis and Management of Infectious Diseases in Cockatoos

Patient: Umbrella Cockatoo (Age 4) Location: Nassau County, NY

Feather plucking, or feather-destructive behavior, is one of the most frustrating and complex conditions in avian medicine. Many owners often worry that their bird is "bored" or "unhappy," but at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic, we know that plucking often stems from an underlying medical condition.

A 4-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo from Nassau County, NY, presented for sudden feather-destructive behavior. This case underscores why testing for infectious diseases like Avian Bornavirus (ABV) is crucial, as behaviors may have an underlying medical cause rather than a behavioral one.

The Patient: Sudden Onset Plucking The patient had always been a well-feathered, healthy bird, but suddenly, he began plucking and damaging his feathers. The owners noted an important detail: another bird in the household had previously tested positive for Avian Bornavirus.

Avian Bornavirus (ABV) is the causative agent of Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), a serious condition that affects the nerves of the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. In some birds, ABV primarily affects peripheral nerves, which may cause discomfort or abnormal sensations that lead to feather-plucking.

The Diagnosis: PCR Testing We performed a full workup to rule out all causes of plucking.

• Bloodwork: To check for liver or kidney issues.

• Viral Testing: We submitted samples for Borna Virus PCR testing.

• Hormonal Evaluation: We considered reproductive frustration as a cause.

The Results: The patient tested Positive for Borna Virus. This confirmed that the plucking was likely a reaction to the viral inflammation of the nerves (neuritis), rather than simple boredom.

The Treatment: Managing the Inflammation Currently, there is no cure for Borna Virus, but we can manage the symptoms to give the bird a good quality of life. The goal is to reduce the inflammation so the bird stops feeling the urge to mutilate.

• Anti-Inflammatory Therapy: We treated the patient with injectable anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the nerve pain.

• Supportive Care: We worked with the owners on diet and low-stress husbandry to support the immune system.

• Monitoring: The patient requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the virus does not progress to affect digestion (PDD).

Recovery: Managing a Chronic Condition With the inflammation under control, the plucking behavior improved. The bird is not "cured," as he will carry the virus for life, but he is comfortable. The owners in Long Island are now equipped with the knowledge to manage the condition and prevent spread to other birds.

This case shows why identifying the root cause through proper testing is essential when a bird begins feather-plucking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Borna Virus (ABV) in birds? ABV is a virus that primarily attacks the nervous system. It can cause gastrointestinal problems, such as undigested food in droppings and weight loss, as well as neurological signs, including seizures, abnormal behavior, or feather-plucking. The virus is contagious among parrots and can spread through close contact.

Is feather plucking always medical? Not always, but it is essential to rule out medical causes first. Potential medical contributors include viral infections (such as ABV or Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease), bacterial or fungal skin infections, parasites, nutritional deficiencies, or internal pain. Only after a thorough evaluation excludes these underlying issues should feather-plucking be addressed as a behavioral problem.

Is Borna Virus fatal? Avian Bornavirus (ABV) infection does not always lead to death. While it can cause Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD), which is life-threatening, many birds test positive for ABV and live for years with minimal or no symptoms. Management focuses on monitoring the bird closely and controlling inflammation or other clinical signs as they arise.

Can I catch Borna Virus from my bird? There is no evidence that Avian Borna Virus affects humans. It is specific to birds.

Contact Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic: Website: https://www.birdexoticsvet.com/ Phone: (516) 482-1101