Vaccinations for An African Grey

[Keegan]

Hi Guys,

 

Can someone advise on what Vaccinations to be given to an African grey. Since I dont have an Avian vet around, is it okay if I procure them and then apply them my self.

[Keegan]

I found this online. Your feed back on this would be nice.

 

Bird Vaccines

 

 

In short, there are NO vaccines that are appropriate for psittacine (parrot type) birds. Let's look at the vaccines that are available:

 

Polyoma Virus Vaccine

 

One vaccine that is rarely recommended as a routine vaccine in pet birds is the Polyoma Virus vaccine.

 

The Myth:

 

In reading about Polyoma virus, some fear-based articles discuss how so many species are susceptible to the disease, and how the number one symptom that your bird might develop is sudden death; they simply look fine one day and die the next with no warning.

 

What they fail to mention is that these birds that die suddenly are nestlings, or, more rarely, fledglings. By the time they have fledged and developed into young birds suitable to leave the aviary, they are no longer at risk for the virus.

 

There are a number of other symptoms attributed to this virus, including the nebulous concepts of "chronic subclinical illness", and "carrier birds". Again, lets look at the facts. If a bird is a carrier, then no vaccine will change that, and the bird will, in all likelyhood, remain healthy for life. These articles go on to say that since there are so many sources for acquiring the disease that one must simply assume that all your birds will be exposed (and thus it is implied that they may even die). And since so many different species, theoretically, are susceptible, all psittacine-type birds are at grave risk. The vaccine is claimed to be "95%" effective (a figure that is pulled out of thin air, by the way). So, why not vaccinate your birds on a yearly basis?

 

The Fact:

 

Polyoma is entirely a disease of immature birds (nestlings; before they have grown out their feathers). Adult birds are completely resistant to the disease, and don't benefit from the vaccine. Self-protection, being nearly 100%, is far better than anything the vaccine can offer.

 

The Polyoma "epidemic" has come and gone entirely on its own. Improved sanitation and breeding techniques have produced healthier birds. These birds don't ever develop overt disease if exposed to Polyoma Virus. As an Epidemiologist by training, I can assure you that there have never been enough birds vaccinated for Polyoma virus to even slightly dent the incidence of Polyoma virus disease. The disease, like most diseases, is simply going away due to a bird's natural ability to develop self-immunity.

 

The rare case where an adult bird might develop this disease would be in a bird already immunologically compromised to the point that the vaccine would not alter the course of the disease. Even in aviaries, the vaccine is extremely questionable since very young birds (the most susceptible to the disease) can't respond to the vaccine. By the time these fledglings can respond to the vaccine, they likely can or have developed natural immunity! The window of opportunity that the vaccine might help is so small as to make it impractical in most aviaries.

 

In over 20 years of practice and far more years as a bird owner, I have never seen an adult bird develop Polyoma Virus. Any reasonable analysis would decide that the risk of adverse effects from the vaccine far outweigh any potential benefit.

 

Finally, lets look at the concept of yearly vaccination for Polyoma virus. Leaving aside the fact that the vaccine has no place in medicine (again, adult birds are completely resistant on their own to the disease), IF the vaccine was so effective, then after being given once, there would be no reason to continue to vaccinate a bird. Effective viral vaccines provide protection that lasts a lifetime. We know that ourselves, since we don't get vaccinated yearly for anything.

 

Pacheco Virus Vaccine

 

A second vaccine that is rarely used is the Pacheco Disease, also called Herpes Inclusion Body Hepatitis vaccine. Herpes viruses are known to be exceedingly difficult to vaccinate for. Genital herpes in people, for example, has proven completely resistant to the development of an effective vaccine. It is highly unlikely, therefore, that the Pacheco Virus vaccine provides any significant protection. This vaccine has shown a high rate of mortality immediately after the vaccine is given. We do not recommend its use.

 

Pox Virus Vaccine

 

A final vaccine to consider is Pox Virus vaccine. While there is no Pox Virus vaccine available for parrot-type birds (hookbills), several species of birds do have Pox Virus vaccines available for use. In species for which there are vaccines available, the protection is poor following vaccination, but may be warranted in limited situations

[ranaz]

HI There

I havent heard of any necessary veccine for greys, nither did any of the vets or other owners recommended. Normally a healthy diet and lots of attention and love is wha your grey needs...you give them this and they will live long to tell....

[danmcq]

Thanks for answering your own question keegan through research and posting it.

 

I am certain other Grey owners will and have asked that question previously.

[Dave007]

Almost all parrot diseases are gotten externally and others that are internally formed are passed from parent to chick so vaccines aren't necessary. Please read the above stickys concerning different diseases.

[pearllyn]

Hi Keegan, I don't know much about this - my own vet didn't recommend anything so I assumed it was not neccesary. Thanks for this post. I haven't come across one like it yet. :-)

[pearllyn]

Please read the above stickys concerning different diseases.

Sorry to be thick Dave, but what above stickys. And what is a sticky anyway? (I'm having a blonde moment)

[Dave007]

Main page--go to Health room and read the top 14 or 15 threads about health situations and also much info on different diseases. Those are Stickys and just about every section on the board has different kinds. Those stickys are there permanently there.

[crossfit]

I specifically asked my vet and she said no.

[Guest]

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Edited August 9, 2010 by jacarual

[Keegan]

Thanks guys,

I asked a poultry vet, before I made a post about whether a poultry vet will be usefull. and he had suggested some drops. Well this solves my doubts.