Q&A for How to Treat Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease in Cockatoos

PBFD is caused by a virus from the Circovirus family. This groups of viruses are highly species-specific (which means they tend not to cross-infect other species). Most of the members are adapted to cause infections in birds, but some types can also cause a specific illness in pigs.

PBFD is not contagious to people and is not a zoonosis (a zoonosis is an infection which can be passed from animals or birds to people—examples include rabies and salmonella). The virus causing PBFD is adapted to infect birds rather than mammals.

PBFD is caused by a virus which is highly infectious. The virus is shed from infected birds and is present in their poop, feathers, feather dander, and oral secretions. Once shed, the virus remains active for long periods of time. Should another bird come into contact with the virus, they are then at risk of acquiring infection.

Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD) is caused by a virus, (specifically a Circovirus). Unlike bacterial infections which respond to antibiotics, there is no cure for this viral infection. The closest you can get to a 'cure' is that the bird is positive for the Circovirus but they don't become sick. However, these birds can shed virus and remain a risk to other birds.