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Proventricular Dilatation Disease (PDD)

By Dr. Susan Muller Esneault

Filed Under: Diseases, Birds

Proventricular Dilatation Disease, or PDD, is a central nervous system disorder and fatal viral disease that currently affects 50 different species of domesticated and wild psittacine parrots as well as five other orders of birds. The Spix’s macaw, whose current population is estimated at 100 live birds, is currently one of the most endangered species of birds in the world with its very existence being threatened by PDD.

Clinically affected parrots will exhibit abnormal behavior and may show ataxia (loss of coordination and balance) progressing to paralysis, or they will slowly starve to death. The virus causes inflammation in the brain that damages nerve endings leading to the bird’s intestinal tract. The area of the proventriculus (the cranial part of the stomach which secretes gastric juice) is particularly sensitive to damage, causing it to become paralyzed. Several groups of researchers have recently and independently identified the cause of PDD to be a virus currently named Avian Bornavirus, or ABV.

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a test for the detection of antibodies to the PDD virus. Although as yet the test is commercially unavailable, it is hoped that the routine testing of birds will prevent the further spread of the virus.

References:

King, A.S., and J. McLelland. Birds their Structure and Function. Bailliere Tindall. Second Edition. 1984. Pp. 95-96.

“Researchers Identify Virus Linked to Fatal Parrot Disease.” Pet Product News International. October 2008. P. 14.

“Researchers Identify Virus Linked to PDD.” Veterinary Practice News. September 2008. P. 34.

Tizard, Ian. “Researchers Find the Virus that Causes PDD.” Bird Talk Magazine. November 2008. Pp. 28-29.

Topics: macaws, parrots, viruses

Symptoms: ataxia, behavior changes, paralysis

»

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