PDD (bornavirus)

Bornavirus in parrots and parakeets leads to a disease that affects both the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system of the birds. This disease is known as 'Proventricular Dilatation Disease' (PDD). The symptoms of this disease are diverse and can vary depending on the affected area. The classic clinical picture of PDD includes loss of appetite, leading to weight loss, undigested food in the stools and vomiting. In addition to these gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms may also occur, such as paralysis, blindness and coordination disorders, caused by disturbances in the central nervous system. Birds with this condition usually die within a few months to a year after clinical signs develop.