"Thoughts on the Polyoma Virus"

Polyoma is a nasty viral disease that attacks several body systems but usually the liver. Its effect has a lot to do with how old the bird is when it gets the infection. Babies usually die while older birds can develop a subclinical infection that is contagious when the virus is shedding, although older birds can die too. It is seen mostly in budgies and in birds exposed to infected budgies, but other species can also be carriers.

If you and your Quaker have no contact with other birds you don't have to worry. If you are around other birds you can wash, change clothes, and disinfect or remove your shoes before getting near your Quaker if you want to be very sure you haven't brought it home. If you want to be almost positive you haven't brought it home you can get the vaccinations. It is a series of two injections given 2-3 weeks apart, one in each breast, followed by a yearly booster. The cost varies from vet to vet and from area to area. I paid $28 each plus the cost of the first vet visit but I've heard of it being cheaper in other places. Before getting them I looked into the risks and, so far, only minor side effects like skin discoloration or thickening at the injection site have been reported. My birds did fine.

Polyoma, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, Proventricular Dilatation Disease, and Pacheco's Disease are all serious viral diseases that can be found in birds. Polyoma now has a vaccine. Pacheco's had one in an oil base that has been taken off the market and a combination of Polyoma/Pacheco's is now available or should be soon.

I believe it's up to each owner to decide if their bird/birds are enough at risk to justify the expense and stress on the birds but we do vaccinate our dogs and cats. Are our birds any less deserving of protection?