In its progressive stages, this disease causes paralysis and eventual death. There are currently medical tests to positively detect this disease even in carriers. It may be passed from carrier parents to young. Any parrot under a year of age is susceptible to infection of this disease. If exposed, they may succumb to it, or they may become carriers that will expose and infect others in years to come.
Older parrots seem to have a natural immunity to it.
There is currently no known cure for this disease. Although, this disease does not move a quickly as Pachecos, it is no less deadly. It may kill others exposed, or it may lay dormant for years, until the host is stressed by breeding or a move. It may be passed to young and not show itself for years in the parents or the offspring. The victim could not digest the food eaten and would eventually starve to death.