A viral disease of fledgling budgerigars

Fledgling budgerigars from aviaries in Georgia and Texas were reported to have high rates of mortality. Affected birds died acutely and exhibited abdominal distention and reddening of the skin. Postmortem lesions were hydropericardium, enlarged heart and liver with areas of necrosis, and swollen, congested kidneys. Histologic examination of a variety of tissues revealed cells with enlarged nuclei containing inclusions. Electron micrographs revealed the presence of viral particles 42 to 49 nm in diameter in the nuclei of epithelial cells of the renal tubule.