Giardia
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Giardia is a parasite found in both drinking and recreational water and lives in the intestinal tract of numerous infected species, which could be people, birds and other animals. Although Giardia can infect any species of bird, it is most often found in cockatiels, lovebirds, budgies, and Grey-cheeked parakeets.
Giardia can survive for a substantial amount of time in the environment, so infection can occur simply by placing a bird in a contaminated environment (cage, aviary, etc.).
Giardia in birds is usually asymptomatic or causes relatively mild symptoms. Once an animal or person has been infected, the parasite lives in the intestine and is passed in the stool. Because the parasite is protected by an outer shell, it can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time. Giardia infection has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States.
Physical Symptoms:
It can cause a variety of physical problems, including feather plucking; acute, chronic or recurrent diarrhea (a bad odor and lots of mucus may occur with the diarrhea); depression, lethargy, anorexia and weight loss, and even death, if untreated. The parasite is believed to interfere with absorption of nutrients and fat metabolism. Skin may become very dry and itchy, and has caused birds to pick out their feathers. The common giardia picking pattern usually involves the chest, underside of the wings, insides of the thighs, shoulders and sometimes the lower back region. Asymptomatic carriers may exist, and serve as sources of infection for other birds. In humans it can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, which include diarrhea, gas or flatulence, greasy stools that tend to float, stomach cramps, upset stomach or nausea. These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration. However, some people or animals have no symptoms at all. Giardiosis is thought to have zoonotic potential (transmissable to humans).
Testing:
Diagnosis of Giardia can be difficult. It may be necessary to examine multiple fresh fecal smears to find the motile trophozoites. Infected birds may only shed trophozoites and cysts intermittently, rather than continuously.
Treatment:
Certain medication, such as Flagyl, Ipronidazole, Metronidozole, are used to treat Giardiosis. Re-infection is fairly common. Dimetridazole (Emtryl) is also said to be effective. Breeders are administering it by mixing it with their hand feeding formula and using a crop needle every twelve hours for five days. Prevention:
Provide clean, dry, uncontaminated food and bedding. Avoid overcrowding. Water should be uncontaminated. Chlorine does not always kill Giardia. Unfortunately, relapses are common, either as a result of failure to destroy all of the parasites in the bird or as a result of a new infection.
- Below are products that purify water and / or test, treat Giardia infections or vaccinate against it. Please discuss doses and safety for your birds. Better than treatment is prevention. Consider purifying your drinking water on a daily basis with a good water filtration system.
- Many disease-causing organisms / toxins are transmitted via air and water. If you suspect a disease problem (or if you would like to prevent one), please investigate the possibility of filtering your air and purifying / treating your birds' drinking water.
Relevant Products (please check with your avian vet the safety for birds)
Potable Aqua Water Purification Iodine Tablets (50 Tablets)
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KlearWater Active Chlorine Dioxide Water Treatment (32mL) Product Feature
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Giardia & Parasitic D'tox for pets Product Description Ingredients |
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Giardia Vax Vaccine - 25 Dose Package Product Description |
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SNAP Giardia Test Kit 15ct Product Features
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Giardia and Giardiasis: Biology, Pathogenesis, and Epidemiology (Hardcover) Medical Text Book |
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| 21st Century Complete Medical Guide to Giardia Infection, Giardiasis, Parasites and Parasitic Disease, Authoritative Government Documents, Clinical References, ... for Patients and Physicians (CD-ROM) (CD-ROM) |
Natural Antibiotics / Strengthening Your Immunesystem Naturally ... General Avian Health References
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