Pacheco’s Disease in Birds 2025 🦜 | Vet Emergency Guide by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

Pacheco’s disease is a highly contagious, often deadly herpesvirus infection affecting psittacine birds—from budgies to macaws. As a veterinarian, I stress the importance of **recognizing early signs**, acting swiftly with diagnostics and treatment, and implementing prevention to safeguard your flock. This guide equips you with evidence-based veterinary strategies for 2025.

1. 🦠 What Is Pacheco’s Disease?

Pacheco’s disease is caused by **Psittacid alphaherpesvirus 1 (PsHV‑1)**. Most psittacine species are susceptible—cockatiels, lovebirds, conures, African greys, Amazons, macaws, and more :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}. Transmission occurs via contact with infected feces, saliva, and respiratory secretions. Asymptomatic carriers may shed the virus during stress. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

2. ⚠️ Why Is It Dangerous?

• Saddle‑fast onset: Birds may appear normal until sudden death. Mortality can reach 100% in flocks. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Fatal liver damage: Hepatitis and internal bleeding are common. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Carrier state: Survivors remain lifelong carriers and can relapse under stress. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

3. 🩺 Key Symptoms to Watch

Signs often include:

• Yellow, watery urates or green droppings :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Lethargy, depression, anorexia :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Ruffled feathers, eye and nasal discharge, sometimes regurgitation :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Neurological signs or sudden death within hours :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

4. 🔬 How It’s Diagnosed

• Laboratory testing: Cloacal and choanal PCR swabs detect viral DNA; serology checks for antibodies. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Clinical suspicion: Rapid onset plus flock deaths demand immediate testing :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Post-mortem: Enlarged, mottled liver, spleen, and kidneys with hemorrhagic spots and inclusion bodies in tissues. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

5. 🏥 Emergency Treatment Protocol

• Supportive therapy: Immediate fluids, electrolyte support, warmth, and nutritional aid.
• Antivirals: Acyclovir—dose 80 mg/kg orally 3× daily or included at 400 mg/kg in food. Helps reduce mortality when given early. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Antibiotics: For secondary bacterial infection—tetracycline, fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, etc. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Avoid overhandling: Stress can worsen spread; isolate sick birds and minimize human contact.

6. 💉 Vaccination & Carrier Control

• Vaccines: Inactivated/autogenous vaccines used during outbreaks can reduce mortality—but don’t eliminate carrier status. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Carrier identification: Regular PCR testing of flock members, especially new additions or after stress events.
• Strict quarantine: New birds must be isolated (≥30 days) and tested before mixing. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

7. 🛡️ Prevention & Biosecurity Measures

• Isolate affected birds immediately and disinfect shared areas thoroughly.
• Practice strict hygiene—change clothing, gloves between enclosures.
• Avoid overcrowding, which heightens stress and transmission. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Minimize stressors—transport, loud events, introduction of new birds.

8. 📈 Prognosis & Long‑Term Management

• High fatality: Mortality is typically 50–100% without prompt care.
• Survivors: Remain carriers and may suffer relapses or develop internal papillomas. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Ongoing care: Regular screening, minimized stress, and biosecurity are essential.

9. 📋 Quick Response Checklist

10. 🧡 Final Thoughts

Pacheco’s disease is a rapid, deadly threat—but swift veterinary action, antiviral therapy, and solid biosecurity can save lives and prevent outbreaks. Survivors require lifelong monitoring as carriers. Protect your flock through awareness, testing, hygiene, and quarantine protocols. 🕊️

— Dr Duncan Houston BVSc

👉 For 24/7 avian vet advice on suspected Pacheco’s disease, outbreak response, or carrier management, visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app. 📱✨