Abstract

Pet birds are usually raised as companions due to their vibrant personalities and interactive nature. Many bacterial and viral diseases can cause mortality in them, and these infections can be precipitated by stress and immunosuppression. Among pet birds, mortality due to viral diseases are frequently found in young psittacine and passerine birds. Throughout the last decade, a plethora of novel findings has illuminated the prevalence and significance of viral infections, notably including herpes, circovirus, and adenovirus. The most pathogenic Togaviridae family of viruses leading to increased mortality in young ones are also reported in these birds. Hence, understating the infectious mechanism of the common viral diseases of pet birds have become mandatory to arrive at a diagnosis. To move on for a definitive diagnosis and to rule out differentials, molecular methods as well as gross and histopathological findings can be helpful. Hence, a thorough knowledge regarding characteristic clinical findings observed in various viral infections of pet birds will not only help in clarifying the pathobiology but will also assist in implementing the necessary control strategies. This review provides an in-depth examination of the typical viral infections found in pet birds, including an analysis of their causative agents, various viral strains, and the primary sites of infection.

Keywords : Psittacine, Passerine, Viral infections, Diagnosis