So much of avian medicine is still based on the instincts and experience of the veterinarian, rather than concrete test results. Controversy in the Avian Veterinary World One subject considered controversial among avian vets has to do with the interpretation of culture results. Simply put, any potentially disease-producing bacteria, yeast or fungus found are grown out in a laboratory and identified. Others feel there are other variables to consider. Let me explain each of these variables in more detail, because it's important that bird owners understand.
Most avian vets expect some light growth of pathogenic bacteria from the vent or cloaca.
After all, the GI tract of any animal is far from clean, and by itself this result does not necessarily indicate disease. Many avian vets feel one can also find light growths of pathogenic bacteria from the mouth if the bird is eating fresh vegetables and fruits, no matter how carefully these foodstuffs are washed. As stated, light growth is often transient, but heavy growth of a pathogenic bacteria, from either end, is generally considered significant. Also, when they get sick, the illness can progress at much greater speed. Consequently, bappies generally get treated with antibiotics more often than adult parrots.