Avian Conjunctivitis in Pet Birds 2025 👁️🐦 | Vet Guide by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Eye infections (conjunctivitis) are common in pet birds and can affect species from budgies to parrots. Left untreated, they may lead to vision impairment or systemic illness. In this comprehensive 2025 guide, we’ll explore microbial causes, signs, diagnosis, veterinary and home treatments, and best practices to protect your bird's ocular health. 🩺

1. 🔍 What Is Avian Conjunctivitis?

Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the tissue surrounding the eye. It’s caused by bacteria (e.g., Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Staph), fungi (Aspergillus, Candida), parasites (eye flukes), trauma, vitamin-A deficiency, or even viral illness such as avian pox :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

2. 🚩 Signs to Watch For

• Red, swollen eyelids or surrounding skin
• Crusty or thick discharge around the eye
• Cloudy cornea or excessive tearing
• Squinting, scratching, rubbing the eye
• Full eyelid closure or signs of discomfort
• Accompanying nasal discharge, sneezing, lethargy :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

3. 🧫 Causes & Risk Factors

• Bacteria: Common culprits include Mycoplasma gallisepticum (especially in songbirds), Chlamydia psittaci in parrots, and Staph species :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Fungal: Aspergillus or Candida—particularly following antibiotics or in humid conditions :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Parasites: Eg, Philophthalmus eye flukes—rare, treated by removal or medication :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Viral/Environmental: Avian pox, trauma, debris, and vitamin-A deficiency

4. 🩺 Veterinary Diagnosis

1. Detailed physical exam including eye inspection and facial temperature
2. Swabs or conjunctival flush for bacterial/fungal culture & PCR :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. Microscopy to identify fungi or parasites
4. Bloodwork or radiographs if systemic signs are present
5. Testing for pathogens like Chlamydia psittaci when zoonotic risk exists :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

5. 🧴 Treatment Protocols

5.1 Topical Therapies

• Antibiotic eye drops/ointments (e.g., gentamicin, Terramycin®) for bacterial infection :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Antifungal drops or ointments for fungal conjunctivitis
• Saline flushes to clean discharge and soothe eyes :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

5.2 Systemic Medications

• Oral antibiotics—for systemic infections or Chlamydia psittaci :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and discomfort :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Antiparasitic meds for fluke infection :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

5.3 Supportive Care

• Maintain warm, low-dust environment with gentle humidity
• Isolate infected birds to prevent spread :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Ensure hydration, nutrition, and easy access to food
• If needed, apply recovery cone to prevent self-trauma :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

6. 🏡 Home Care & Administration

Administer topical medications carefully:

1. Wash your hands and warm the drops :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
2. Gently restrain the bird (towel wrap), exposing only head :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
3. Flush eyes with saline if crusted
4. Install drops from 1 cm away onto the lower eyelid, then hold 5–10 seconds :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
5. Apply ointment if prescribed, wait 3–5 minutes after drops
6. Offer praise or treats to reinforce calm handling :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
7. Monitor for worsening signs and consult your vet

7. 💡 Prevention & Hygienic Practices

• Keep cages and perches clean—disinfect weekly :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Minimize overcrowding; maintain good ventilation
• Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days
• Address nutritional deficiencies—ensure vitamin A support via diet
• Eliminate loose debris and ceiling draft in flight area
• Encourage wild bird feeder hygiene to reduce cross-species spread :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

8. 🔁 Recovery & Long-Term Outlook

With early treatment, most birds recover within 1–2 weeks. Fungal or parasitic cases may take longer. Monitor for recurrence and be vigilant with hygiene measures :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}.

9. 🦠 Zoonotic Risk: Psittacosis

Conjunctivitis caused by Chlamydia psittaci can transmit to humans, causing psittacosis ("parrot fever") with flu-like symptoms :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}. If diagnosed, isolate the bird, consult your vet and physician, and thoroughly disinfect living areas.

10. 📝 Checklist for Owners

11. 🧡 Final Thoughts

Conjunctivitis in birds can range from mild to serious—but most cases are treatable with prompt recognition, proper medication, hygiene, and vet care. By following these steps—observe, clean, medicate, and prevent—you can help your bird keep clear, bright eyes and avoid long-term complications. Always work closely with your avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment advice. 🐥

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

👉 Visit AskAVet.com or get the Ask A Vet app for personalized guidance on bird eye health, medication techniques, and wellness monitoring. 📱✨