Psittacine beak and feather disease virus in budgerigars and ring-neck parakeets in South Africa

Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a common disease of the psittacine species and is caused by the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV). In this study the occurrence of the disease in ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa suffering from feathering problems,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: J. Albertyn, K.M. Tajbhai, R.R. Bragg
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2004-11-01
Series:Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research
Online Access:https://ojvr.org/index.php/ojvr/article/view/282
Description
Summary:Psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) is a common disease of the psittacine species and is caused by the psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV). In this study the occurrence of the disease in ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa suffering from feathering problems, using polymerase chain reaction as a diagnostic test was investigated. The genetic variation between viral isolates was also studied. Results indicate that PBFDV can be attributed to being the cause of feathering problems in some of the ring-neck parakeets and budgerigars in South Africa. Genetic variation of isolates occurs between species and individuals. A cheap and easy to use method of blood sample collection on filter paper for diagnostic purposes was also evaluated. It proved to be less stressful to the birds and did not inhibit further processes.
ISSN:0030-2465
2219-0635