There are numerous diseases
that wild birds can have when humans come in contact with them. By the
time you come into contact with a sick or injured bird, they are
usually critical, so time is of the essence in diagnosis and treatment.
One of the most common is Avian Pox. It seems to be more prevalent in
Mockingbirds and Pigeons than other birds. It generally affects areas
around the eyes, mouth and legs. To the layman it looks like warts or
crusty growths. I believe it is caused by a virus. By the time you come
in contact with the bird, the prognosis will not be very good. The
growths will continue to grow until it eventually kills the bird, so
the only humane thing to do is have a veterinarian euthanize it.
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Trichomoniasis:
This is most common in Doves and Pigeons and can be transmitted to
birds of prey that eat an infected bird. It is a yellow, cheesy
substance in the crop and mouth which limits the bird’s ability to eat
and will eventually kill it.
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Aspergillosis:
This is a fungal infection of the lungs and air passages. These birds
will show signs of respiratory distress and more than likely be quite
emaciated.
All of these diseases should be treated
by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Anyone having exotic birds in their home
should take great care to keep wild birds isolated from them because
they can fall victim to the same diseases and may not have the immune
system needed to fight off the disease.
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