Transboundary Emerging and Exotic Animal Disease/ Exotic Animal Disease Practice Exam

When presented with a pet bird showing ruffled feathers and neurologic signs, which diagnosis might be considered?

1. Only avian influenza

2. Aspergillosis and systemic organ disease

3. All of the above mentioned conditions

4. Only lead toxicity and Pacheco's disease

The correct answer is: All of the above mentioned conditions

The presence of ruffled feathers and neurological signs in a pet bird indicates a need to consider a range of potential diagnoses. When making this consideration, the diverse symptoms can be indicative of more than one underlying issue, as avian species are susceptible to various diseases that can manifest similarly. Avian influenza is known for causing respiratory distress and can present with neurological symptoms in affected birds. Aspergillosis is a fungal infection that can lead to systemic organ disease and often causes respiratory symptoms, but it may also progress to affect the nervous system in severe cases. Additionally, lead toxicity is a critical differential diagnosis as it is a common occurrence in birds, leading to neurological signs. Pacheco's disease, a viral infection caused by the herpesvirus, can also cause a range of symptoms including neurological manifestations. Given that ruffled feathers and neurological signs can result from a multitude of issues, diagnosing the condition in a bird with these symptoms would reasonably involve evaluating all listed conditions. Thus, the comprehensive nature of the answer that includes all mentioned conditions reflects a better understanding of the clinical presentation and the necessity for a broad diagnostic approach in avian medicine.