Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in wild parrot populations has been detected in eight new countries, raising concerns for threatened species.
Beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) in wild parrot populations has been detected in eight new countries, raising concerns for threatened species.
The new countries where BFDV was found are Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, Nigeria, Seychelles, Vietnam, Senegal and The Gambia and were identified in a study led by Deborah Fogell in the University of Kent’s Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology (DICE) in collaboration with The World Parrot Trust, Zoological Society of London (ZSL), Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, Seychelles Island Foundation and Vinh University.
The study highlights the need for greater awareness of the risks of the spread of infectious disease associated with the international trade in live parrots.
Parrots are among the most threatened bird groups and are susceptible to a number of infectious diseases. They are also among the most frequently traded birds listed by the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the illegal trade has already driven the cross-border movement of over 19 million parrots since 1975.
Read more at University of Kent
Image: This is a juvenile CITES Endangered Mauritius 'Echo' Parakeet (Psittacula eques) displaying severe symptoms of PBFD including feather dystrophy. (Credit: Deborah Fogell)
