Australian researchers have developed a world-first vaccine that could protect parrots from the lethal psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD). The disease can affect almost all parrot species, causing a slow and painful death as the bird progressively loses its feathers and develops beak and feet deformities.
Researchers at Charles Sturt University (CSU) in southern New South Wales said they have developed the first vaccine for PCD and are ready to submit their work to the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for approval.
Professor Shane Raidal is a veterinary pathologist at CSU and has been working to develop the vaccine for more than a decade.
The disease has significantly affected a number of threatened parrot species—most notably the orange-bellied parrot.