Interesting article because I have never thought of circovirus as a “stomach virus” (shows what I don’t know perhaps or it might be news to many people, or I might have made the wrong assumption about the type of virus) or why antibiotics might be useful against a virus.
I assume the information has gotten mangled in the translation.
At least it’s a report in the media and they got the name right
cheers storm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/08/3060023.htm
VIRUS COULD WIPE OUT ENDANGERED PARROT
A virus is threatening a breeding program for the critically-endangered orange-bellied parrot.
Scientists say the stomach virus is common in many bird species in Australia.
They lose feathers and their immune system breaks down.
Veterinary professor from Charles Sturt University, Shane Radial, says an outbreak of the disease in a captive breeding program could be fatal for the species, as there are only 50 birds left in the wild.
Normally the parrot would not have such close interaction with other birds but that is not the case in captivity.
“Infections just find it easier to spread from one bird to another,” he said.
Professor Radial says there is no known cure and it is hard to try antibiotics because of the size of the birds.
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Storm,
There is a Psittacine circovirus, it is the one that causes Beak and Feather Disease. There are other circoviruses which are specific to other species including chickens, pigeons and pigs among others. If a circovirus that causes intestinal problems has jumped species, its a bit of a worry. I think that it is more likely another case of sloppy journalism.
Cheers,
Carl Clifford
Interesting article because I have never thought of circovirus as a “stomach virus” (shows what I don’t know perhaps or it might be news to many people, or I might have made the wrong assumption about the type of virus) or why antibiotics might be useful against a virus.
I assume the information has gotten mangled in the translation.
At least it’s a report in the media and they got the name right
cheers storm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/11/08/3060023.htm
VIRUS COULD WIPE OUT ENDANGERED PARROT
A virus is threatening a breeding program for the critically-endangered orange-bellied parrot.
Scientists say the stomach virus is common in many bird species in Australia.
They lose feathers and their immune system breaks down.
Veterinary professor from Charles Sturt University, Shane Radial, says an outbreak of the disease in a captive breeding program could be fatal for the species, as there are only 50 birds left in the wild.
Normally the parrot would not have such close interaction with other birds but that is not the case in captivity.
“Infections just find it easier to spread from one bird to another,” he said.
Professor Radial says there is no known cure and it is hard to try antibiotics because of the size of the birds.
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