Bird losing feathers on the chest is a symptom of many different ailments. Feather loss is common in some bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. For example, avian pox causes mycotic dermatitis and fever with feather loss in chickens.
The bird can be exposed to a variety of diseases that cause feather loss by coming into contact with another diseased bird or from the environment where the disease is present.
Contents
Causes of a bird losing feathers on the chest
- Bacterial infections (e.g. mycotic dermatitis)
- Viral infections (e.g. avian pox, infectious bursal disease)
- Parasites (e.g., lice and mites)
- External influence.
- Neurologic disorders (e.g., synesthesia)
- Mineral imbalance (e.g., zinc deficiency and selenium deficiency)
Bird losing feathers on chest: symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and more bird losing feathers on chest. The following information is meant to assist both the avian veterinarian and the owner in diagnosing the condition. Some examples of bacteria causing feather loss include:
Avian pox
Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, and Streptococci are saprophytes that cause mycotic dermatitis and are associated with feather loss. Staphylococcal enterotoxin and streptococcal toxin A [found in poultry feces] infect the host bird’s skin.
- Mycoplasma Gallisepticum causes feathers to fall out of quail.
- Streptococcus Agalactiae reduces the amount of keratin in the feather shafts.
- Mycoplasma Synoviae causes avian pox and feather loss in chickens.
- Smallpox virus causes feathers to drop from chickens.
- Avian chlamydiosis is caused by Chlamydia psittaci and is associated with feather loss.
- Arthropod mites cause folliculitis, feather loss, and feather discoloration in chickens.
- Bacterial and fungal diseases that cause feather loss include:
- Erysipelas caused by Streptococcus Pyogenes.
- Sarcoptic mange caused by Sarcoptes scabiei.
- Psittacosis can be caused by a variety of enteric bacteria including E.
Other Symptoms of Bird Losing Feathers On Chest
- Feather loss around the vent.
- Swelling of the breast and neck; is called goiter.
- The mucous membrane in the mouth, throat, and oropharynx are red like strawberry.
Season of a bird losing feathers on chest: Summer, winter, and fall
Diagnosis: Feather loss can be difficult as the bird’s skin does not show obvious signs of disease. The symptoms of a bird losing feathers on the chest vary depending on the disease process. In some instances, mycotic dermatitis is easy to detect but in other cases, feather loss could be due to several systemic illnesses such as avian pox or neurological disorders.
Diagnosis can be aided by taking a blood sample from the bird and sending it to a laboratory [for further testing].
Treatment of Bird Losing Feathers On Chest
- Most of the time the bird’s condition improves when antibiotics have been administered.
- Treatment of feather loss due to a bacterial infection is often a simple matter, depending on what type of bacteria is involved and how it has been transmitted:
- As with many other diseases, most cases of feather loss can be prevented by good management practices.
- Medications such as antibiotics may be necessary. Small oral doses of amoxicillin are often sufficient for treatment and will usually prevent any further symptoms of feather loss.
Best 3 Notes
- Feather loss is a complicated symptom that can be the result of many different diseases. The best way to prevent disease is through good management practices, such as providing appropriate shelter and sanitation.
- Not all cases of feathered loss are alike!
- Feathers are an important part of a bird’s insulation and covering. Their absence affects both the comfort level and appearance of the bird.
Conclusion
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