Veterinary Services

Large numbers of Ascaridia spp. roundworms were found in two budgerigars that had died in an aviary. Loose droppings and lethargy were reported amongst the other birds.

A recently purchased cockatiel developed mild respiratory signs and its condition progressively deteriorated. The bird was euthanased and chlamydiosis was diagnosed at post mortem examination. The owner was also ill at the same time, and the possibility of human psittacosis was being investigated.

A combination of "megabacteriosis" and chlamydiosis was diagnosed in a canary. The proventriculus was considerably thickened, the liver and spleen enlarged and the intestinal contents were fluid. Smears from the proventriculus revealed many avian gastric yeasts or "megabacteria", and modified Ziehl-Neelsen stained smears from the liver and spleen demonstrated many Chlamydophila – like organisms.