Mycobacteriosis in companion psittacine birds: a review

Mycobacteriosis has long been recognized as a disease of companion psittacine birds. In this review, the signalment, clinical signs of disease, and diagnosis of mycobacteriosis in psittacine birds are presented. Although treatment of birds with mycobacteriosis is controversial, therapeutic protocols for use in psittacine birds have been developed based on protocols used in humans. Results of recent studies indicate that mycobacteriosis in psittacine birds is unlikely to represent a significant health risk for humans. However, the potential for zoonotic disease must be considered, especially if persons who are immunocompromised are in contact with an infected bird.