Amazon Parrots - Diseases

General Information about Amazon Parrots

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Respiratory Signs, Chronic Depression, Weightloss:

Aspergillosis (fungal disease), bacterial infections / pneumonia, nutritional deficiencies (Hypovitaminosis A), inhaled toxins


Upper Respiratory Infections: most commonly based on bacterial infections, but can also be viral or nutritionally. Predominantly affects Mexican Red-Headed Amazons, Lilac-Crowned and Red-lored Amazons)


Pox-virus Infections. Highly contagious. Predominantly affects Double Yellow and Yellow-naped Amazons.


Dietary Deficiencies: Due to their preference of seeds as primary food source. Vitamin A deficiencies in particular are common and exemplify themselves by oral abscesses, sub-mandibular swelling or by a blunting of the choanal papilla.

• Vitamin A Deficiency: Vitamin A promotes appetite, digestion, and also increases resistance to infection and to some parasites.

  The most obvious sign of a vitamin A deficiency is a feather stain above the cere (soft skin surrounding the nostrils). The staining of the feathers above the nostrils reflects a discharge from the nostrils. Subtle differences may be seen as far as the color intensity of the cere and feathers is concerned - and the overall condition of the plumage. A bird deficient in this vitamin may have pale, rough-looking feathers that lack luster. The cere (soft skin surrounding the nostrils) may look rough instead of smooth, and you may see an accumulation of a yellow dry scale on the sides of the beak.

  Vitamin A occurs naturally in dark leafy greens and orange-colored produce, such as apricots, cantaloupes, carrots, red peppers, pumpkins and sweet potatoes. To resolve Vitamin A deficiency, try adding foods like sweet potatoes (either cooked or steamed until soft), mashed up with other fruits will be both loved by your pet bird, as much as it is good for her or him. Many birds also enjoy fresh carrot juice - or try offering shredded carrots. Natural sources are preferable over synthetically produced nutrients, which may not be absorbable and could easily be overdosed).

Obesity - predominantly seen in Mealy and Blue-crowned Amazons. Hypothyroidism may be a factor.


Fatty Liver Syndrome - Again caused by their preference of seed-based diets.


Lead Poisoning exemplifying itself by red urine (hematuria) and acute depression.


Cloacal Papillomas. Affected birds may be straining to defecate or have blood in the stool. Owners may see a reddish growth protruding from the vent. This condition is suspected to be transmissible and affected parrots should not be included in a breeding program.


Seizures (affecting primarily Red-lored Amazons)


Cancer - particularly liver cancer -- common in older amazons.

• Tumors: Tumors can be benign or malignant (cancerous) and can involve any organ or system. Some species of birds tend to develop benign fatty tumors called "Lipomas."
• Lipomas are commonly seen in overweight Amazon Parrot, Rose-breasted Cockatoos and Budgies. It seems that older budgies are more prone to tumors of the ovary, testicle or kidney, which may eventually put pressure on the sciatic nerve on the affected side, resulting in lameness of the foot or leg.
• Fibromas are tumors found on the wing and they may need to be surgically removed. In some instances, amputation of the wing may be necessary.

The are especially susceptible to: Polyoma ... Feather Plucking / Mutilation ... Papilloma

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