Trichomoniasis in Budgerigars
By Sally O’Dwyer In my experience with Budgerigars (Parakeets), I have occasionally had to go toe-to-toe
with the nasty disease Trichomoniasis. Actually, Trichomoniasis is the most common protozoal disease in all of
aviculture. The bad news is that this disease is somewhat species specific, and it is a significant problem in
Budgerigars. The good news is that it is easily treated. Avian Trichomoniasis is caused by a microscopic parasite,
Trichomonas gallinae, a single-celled protozoan. This parasite has a whip-like tail and fin on its back, which allows it
swim in a circular motion. Upon entering the Budgie through the mouth, the parasite buries itself into the lining of the
esophagus-- anywhere from the back of the tongue down through the crop almost to the gizzard. Yellowish lesions
(ulcers or cankers) appear where the parasite has buried itself in the esophageal lining. The Trichomonads multiply
rapidly by simple division and as a result, the lesions grow in size and number. As the disease progresses, the lesions
develop into large, firm masses that can cause nasty blockages. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
Trichomoniasis is also known as “Canker”, “Frounce” or “Diptheria”. This
disease is not just a problem among Budgerigars, but also in pigeons, doves, quail, falcons, hawks, turkeys, chickens,
various finches, the Java sparrow, and even canaries. In the wild, Trichomoniasis is endemic among doves and pigeons.
Birds of prey are thought to contract the disease by eating infected doves and pigeons. According to Michigan’s
Department of Natural Resources, in the wild there are strains of Trichomoniasis which do not cause disease as well as
highly virulent strains that circulate in flocks causing disease and death. The severity of the disease depends on the
susceptibility of the bird and the virulence of the strain. Transmission of Trichomoniasis probably occurs between birds
by direct beak to beak contact. Indirect transmission via drinking water probably also occurs. The most tell-tale sign that
you have a budgie afflicted with Trichomoniasis is the bird will vomit and sneeze. When vomiting, the bird looks like it is
regurgitating food as if it were preparing to feed a mate or chick. If you walk in your aviary and hear sneezing, beware!!
Track down that sneeze and watch that bird. Budgies with Trichomoniasis will often look dirty above their cere, where
they have flicked mucous while sneezing or vomiting. The vomit may be a mucusy liquid of whole seed. If you suspect a
bird of having Trichomoniasis, isolate it in a separate cage. Place paper (white works best) in the tray below. After
several hours, check the paper and you will be able to see what the bird has been vomiting. Vomit might also be on the
walls of your aviary. You will probably also notice your bird rubbing its face on the perches. As the disease progresses,
the bird will sit listlessly, puffed-up on the perch. The bird is beginning to starve and will become extremely emaciated.
This happens because the esophagus is blocked and the bird cannot get food down. Sometimes birds will just sit in the
food bowl, hungry, but unable to eat. Birds can also suffocate if the lesions cause a blockage of the trachea.
There are
number of medications used to treat Trichomoniasis. These include Dimetridazole, Metronidazole, Ronidazole, and
Carnidazole. They are all effective against the parasite and can be purchased from Foy’s Pigeon Supply, (877)
355-7727. As long as the bird can still drink, the drug can be administered through drinking water. These drugs are
water soluble and water stable. Directions usually are to treat for 5 to 7 days. Usually, affected birds will respond
quickly—but don’t forget to finish the prescription. Also, make sure that during the treatment, all water
sources are medicated. You do need to watch your birds to make sure that they do not quit drinking while you are
medicating them. The medications taste bitter and the birds do not like them. I have found that birds that are severely
affected by the disease may need to be tube fed the medicine mixed with a bit water. Some of these drugs are rather
toxic, so be careful not to overdose your birds. Symptoms of overdose are loss of balance and death. Recovery from
mild attacks of Trichomoniasis produces immunity to more virulent strains. Resistance to the drugs named above is
common, and you may wish to rotate the type of medication you use to treat Trichomoniasis. I personally switch
between Ronidazole 10% and Metronidazole, and this has worked well for me. Ronidazole is reportedly the safest to
use on budgies and can be used any stage of the breeding cycle. There are some companies that sell Ronidazole 6%
(one product is called Ronivet), but I have not found the 6% to be strong enough against these pesky parasites and
have ended up having to re-treat the birds. The most important point to note is that if one of your birds shows symptoms
of Trichomoniasis, you must assume that the rest of your birds have been infected and treat the ENTIRE flock. All of
your birds must be treated at the same time. Many of your birds may harbor the parasite but not show symptoms. To
prevent an outbreak of Trichamoniasis in your aviary, quarantine all new birds. Many, if not most, Budgies have been
exposed at one time or another to the disease. For the most part, they will not show any symptoms. However, if they
become stressed, for example by a move to your aviary, their natural immunity will be lowered, possibly allowing the
disease to surface and the bird to become infectious. You may wish to treat all incoming birds with one of the
medications mentioned above. Because Trichanomads are persistent, treatment needs to be part of your aviary
management plan. Many budgie breeders treat their flock at least twice a year to prevent outbreaks. It is probably a
wise idea to treat birds before the breeding season. Foy’s Pigeon Supply recommends that breeders disinfect
drinking water with Nolvasan or Oxine for a week to prevent another outbreak after treating birds for the disease. They
also recommend following all treatments with a Probotic. Trichanomads are very sensitive to drying, so let bowls and
equipment dry well after cleaning. Regularly disinfect food and water sources with 10% bleach solution, and make sure
that wild birds cannot infect your birds. Practice good hygiene, particularly with water bowls and wet food, which can
harbor the parasite. To keep your birds happy and free of Trichamoniasis, avoid overcrowding and other types of stress
to your birds.
