The polyomavirus and its vaccine

The polyomavirus is made partly of the papovavirdae family. Previously, it was believed that this virus infected only the parakeet. We now know that this is not the case. However, certain species, like the conure, electus, and ara, are more sensitive, though not the only species that can be affected. The young fledglings are most at risk of being affected but adults can also be affected.

Symptoms

lethargy
loss of appetite
poor emptying of the crop
loss of balance
vomiting
diarrhea
significant and rapid weight-loss
subcutaneous hemorrhaging
sudden death

Following the appearance of one or more of these symptoms, the young birds of less than 6 months, frequently die within 12 to 48 hours. Birds can often be asymptomatic carriers. In which case they do not present any physical symptoms though, the blood screening proves positive.

Mode of transmission

transmission from parents to fledglings by regurgitation during nest feedings.
integration of a bird that is a carrier.
transmission by the handler’s clothing and hands.
transmission by stool, feathers and dust from one bird to another.

In fact, during the integration of a new bird, quarantine is paramount. During this time, the new bird must be kept isolated in a room away from other birds. Also, blood tests must be done in order to screen for the major diseases, thus polyoma. Keep the bird isolated in this room for at least 40 days and until obtaining a negative result from the blood test. As for yourself, make sure that you care and feed the birds that are not in quarantine first. Then, after caring for those in quarantine, you need to change your clothing and preferably shower before returning to your healthy birds so indirect transmission can be avoided. Do not keep budgies in the same room as your other non-vaccinated parrots since these are often times asymptomatic carriers.

The vaccination

The vaccination is recommended for all birds of 6 months or more that have contact with other birds. Administration of the vaccine can be done to birds in a breeding colony situation and also, those that have contact with other birds. A simple subcutaneous injection, taking a few seconds is all that is necessary. Certain birds, such as aras, may develop vomiting following the injection though it’s fairly rare.

Recommendations

Adult birds in a breeding colony situation should be vaccinated twice at a 2 week interval the first year. Then, it should receive a dose once every year. It’s preferable to do the vaccination during the reproductive’s off-season which can differ between each individual species. If howeverthe birds must be vaccinated rapidly even though they are in their reproductive season, it’s still possible to administer the vaccine though the stress will be much higher for them.

As for fledglings, vaccination is recommended as of 6 weeks. Two vaccines at 2-3 week intervals are necessary and every year there-after.

The vaccine is recommended in order to protect the birds when they are in contact with other birds or when getting their claws clipped including other maintenance, or if the bird needs to be kept in boarding.

Administration of the polyoma vaccine is safe. The side-effects are minor. There may sometimes be a discoloration of the skin at the injection’s site. We recommend testing your bird to insure that he is negative before vaccinating.

Nataly Bayard

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