Infertility may occur due to mechanical obstruction or ascending infection. Although birds may live for years with papillomatosis, the long term prognosis is guarded. A waxing and waning course often occurs, with signs subsiding for a while. Over time, however, the lesious progress. Papillomatosis has been accociated with bile duct and pancreatic duct in amazon parrots.
Diagnosis is by physical examination, contrast radiographs and fluoroscopy.
A number of treatment modalities have been tried which include surgical resection, cryosurgery, chemical cautery, autogenous vaccination, and laser. Laser surgery seems to offer the best results. All new birds of susceptible species should be thoroughly examined to identify those with oral or cloacal papillomas. Infected birds should not be housed with non-infected birds. Papillomatosis in unable to be cured.