>this is Germany again. Hope you've gotten my text and perhaps
>already translated?
Hello, Klaus! No, I haven't gotten the articles translated yet. I am
VERY slow at translating. I'm sorry I am so slow, but I haven't used
German in almost 15 years. I need to get a better dictionary--many of
the words you used are not in the dictionary I have now.
I think it will probably take me a few more weeks to get the article
translated. As soon as I get it translated, I'll netmail you a copy, and
also will post it on the echo.
>Today I would like to know more about Polyoma. Here it is unknown.
>My dictionary says it causes tumors in organs and texture. But no
>aviculturist here has troubles with Polyoma. That means one should
>know about it before it comes.
Polyoma is a virus. It usually affects baby birds that have not weaned.
If you netmail me your mailing address, I can mail you copies of
articles about it. But they are very technical, with lots of medical
terms. They were all written by an American avian veterinarian, Dr.
Branson Ritchie. He is doing research on polyoma, and has developed a
vaccine for that virus.
>Is it often diagnostizided in aviaries?
Polyoma is not often found. But when it occurs, it usually kills most,
or all, of the babies in an aviary nursery. Adult birds can carry the
virus but it doesn't often affect adults. So the adults spread it
without becoming ill themselves.
>How does it get from one bird to the other?
It can be spread by feather dust, sneezing, feces, by not using sterile
handfeeding utensils, on dirty hands of nursery workers, and from parent
to egg during egg-laying. So even if one has an immaculate aviary, if a
parent bird is infected, babies can get sick and die.
>What about symptomes?
Symptoms in baby birds are slow or stopped crop function, respiratory
problems, bleeding under the skin (called "subcutaneous hemmorhage),
vomiting, diarrhea, and sudden death. In adults who become infected,
symptoms are often not noticeable. The adults might just "not look
right" for a day or so, then they will be fine again. But after that
infection, they may become carriers of the virus, and spread it.
>Is it deadly?
Yes, to baby birds. MOST babies who become infected die within 36 hours
or less. However, older babies who have stronger immune systems can
contract the disease and survive. This leaves them as carriers of the
virus, and they must be kept separate from other birds forever. A
vaccine will be available within the next year, I believe. This will
help protect birds who have not been infected yet.
I have an address for the company in the UK that does Polyoma and
Psitticine Beak & Feather tests for all of Europe. You can write to them
for more information about testing.
VetGen Europe
PO Box 60
Winchester, Hants, UK
SO23 9XN
0962-880376  <----(Is this a telephone number?)
I hope to hear from you again soon.
--Kathy
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