Most budgerigar breeder's now routinely treat their birds twice a year for this condition to reduce its prevalence. Respiratory signs can also be seen. Most pigeons will be carriers of this disease without showing clinical signs. Raptors can also suffer from the same condition that can lead to anorexia or discomfort whilst feeding. In some cases the infection can be spread to other areas of the head.
Diagnosis is simple in most cases.
Wet smears of samples from birds' crops, mouths or faeces can lead to a quick diagnosis. Prevention or treatment involves the use of a variety of drugs, all of which are of the same type and kill off the parasite. Most commonly used is dimetridazole. This type of drug is currently under review as there is evidence that human cancer can be related to their use. This has lead to a change in both packaging and licensing.