Both sexes of the bird appear identical. This type of band, which is squeezed shut around the bird's leg is indicative of an imported bird. A serious viral disease which is highly contagious. There is no cure. PBFD causes deformed feathers which eventually fall out, the beak softens and becomes misshapen, and affects many of the internal organs.
Birds usually die from a secondary infection.
The virus can be spread through the feces and feather dust and can be found in the birds' crop as well. It can affect several different species of birds, but is most common among Cockatoos. A curable bacterial disease that can affect BOTH humans and birds. Psittacosis is spread through inhalation of feather and fecal dust. Bacterial tests are used to detect it.