Unusual multifocal granulomatous disease caused by actinomycetous bacteria in a nestling Derbyan parrot (Psittacula derbiana)

• Published in: Australian veterinary journal Vol. 87; no. 1; pp. 63 - 65
• Main Authors: Park, F.J, Jaensch, S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Melbourne, Australia Blackwell Publishing Asia 2009
• Subjects: Actinomyces; Actinomyces - isolation & purification; Actinomycetales; Actinomycosis - diagnosis; Actinomycosis - pathology; Actinomycosis - veterinary; Animals; Animals, Newborn; bacterial infections; bird diseases; Bird Diseases - diagnosis; Bird Diseases - pathology; case studies; granuloma; Granuloma - diagnosis; Granuloma - pathology; Granuloma - veterinary; granulomatous disease; histopathology; Immunohistochemistry - veterinary; nestlings; Nocardia; Nocardia - isolation & purification; Nocardia Infections - diagnosis; Nocardia Infections - pathology; Nocardia Infections - veterinary; parrot; parrots; Parrots - microbiology; Psittacula; Psittacula derbiana; young animals
• ISSN: 0005-0423; 1751-0813
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-0813.2008.00378.x

A nestling Derbyan parrot (Psittacula derbiana) was presented with unusual subcutaneous swellings of the thigh regions, and poor growth. Histological examination revealed actinomycetous bacteria associated with multifocal systemic granulomas. The clinical and pathological findings of the case are presented, and some relevant aspects of actinomycetous bacterial infections in mammals and birds are discussed. Although granulomatous disease is encountered at times in avian species, the actinomycetous bacteria (Nocardia and Actinomyces spp.) have rarely been reported in association with multifocal granulomatous disease in birds.