Pet vaccinations are only necessary for pet dogs and cats, aren't they? Not entirely. If you have a pet parrot, your bird may benefit from vaccination. In fact, this might be life-saving in some cases. But why might parrots need this form of protection? 

Sufficient Concern

Starting when they're puppies and kittens, dogs and cats need a series of vaccinations; encompassing core vaccines and case-specific vaccines, with booster shots then administered as needed throughout the animal's life. It's a very different case for a pet parrot, as only one potential illness is of sufficient concern for a vaccination to be needed.

The Polyomavirus in Birds

Polyomavirus in birds can result in significant illness. In younger parrots, it may even result in death. Adult parrots may have limited immunity to the virus, but the consequences can still be severe. The virus leads to severe digestive issues. The bird may lose its appetite, and will then vomit or regurgitate any food it has managed to consume. There can also be ongoing diarrhea. As the bird's digestive discomfort continues, their abdomen will become bloated. Your bird's behavior will also change. They'll become sluggish, and will refrain from much movement inside their enclosure. 

Avoidance of the Virus

Birds with suspected polyomavirus must be assessed by a vet without delay. Avoidance is the best way to protect your bird from the virus, with vaccination being beneficial for birds at risk of exposure. How do you know if your bird is at risk?

Exposure to the Virus

Exposure to polyomavirus is via other birds, either wild birds or those in captivity. If your bird lives in an aviary, or even in a cage that is sometimes placed outdoors, they may be at risk. Direct contact isn't necessary for infection. It can come from feather dander and feces, so all that might be needed is for an infected wild bird to briefly land on your bird's enclosure. For this reason, a polyomavirus vaccination can be highly beneficial for at-risk parrots whose enclosure is permanently or temporarily outdoors.

Beginning Vaccinations 

The polyomavirus vaccination is generally first given to a juvenile parrot, with boosters then given at the bird's annual checkups. However, a vet can begin a parrot's vaccination schedule at a later age, if this is when it's first deemed to be necessary. It's a single dose, followed by annual boosters. 

Parrots who live indoors and have no contact with other birds aren't at risk of polyomavirus, and even birds who could conceivably be exposed aren't at high risk. But the risk is still there, and when it comes to a beloved pet's health, you'll want to take every precaution. For more information on pet vaccinations, contact a professional near you.