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PCR
Avian Polyoma (also known as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease) is most prevalent in macaws, conures, eclectus parrots, ring-necked parrots, lovebirds, cockatiels and budgies although it occurs in all psittacine species. It is most commonly recognised in chicks in the nest. Swollen bellies, tremors, weak wobbly chicks, or abnormal feathers may be seen. Larger psittacine species may live longer and show diarrhoea or regurgitation. Classical infections seem to affect larger species at around 7 weeks of age and can kill within a few hours of the first signs with chicks showing large bruise-like haemorrhages under the skin. Adult birds are also affected. Signs resemble those of septicaemia and hepatitis. Some infected adult birds may not show any signs but may become carriers shedding the virus Embryonic death or decreased hatchability can also be caused by Polyomavirus. Polyoma is transmitted primarily bird to bird but it is also thought to be transmitted via the egg.
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