Polyoma virus has also been seen in finches. The younger the bird the more severe the signs. The age and species of affected individuals result in a large variance of clinical signs. Most commonly, chicks appear normal for 10-15 days and fall over dead with no signs or symptoms noted by the aviculturalist. Nervous system signs like being off balance and muscle tremors of the head and neck have also been reported.
Survivors present feather abnormalities.
Just as in budgerigars, the only sign in larger parrots may be a healthy appearing hand feeding baby who drops over dead. The last Scarlet Macaw death we were associated with was an 8 week old baby who appeared perfectly normal throughout his short life. He vomited on day 57 of life and fell over dead. Fledglings, young adults and mature birds have been described with polyoma virus. Some birds that survive may develop feather or beak malformations.