Pathogens and ultimately disease outbreaks in nurseries and aviaries are transmitted in several ways. Direct transmission requires physical contact with an infected bird or with its bodr excretions.
Air can spread minute bacteria, fungus, spores and viruses as well as infectious micro-organisms.
Vectors or carriers spread disease by transferring organisms mechanically with their feet or with their droppings. Common vectors or pests in a nursery or aviary are wild birds, rodents, ants, flies, roaches and unsanitary handling. Indirect contamination is by far the most common way of transmitting pathogens in the nursery or aviary. Also infected dust, water, food, dishes and cages can indirectly transmit disease. Hand-feeding utensils should be cleaned and disinfected or discarded after every use.