Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas hydrophila septicemia in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

Abstract

Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas hydrophila infections are described in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) that presented with neurological signs, lassitude, and respiratory distress. At postmortem examination, subperiosteal ecchymotic hemorrhages in the skull, and severe subcutaneous edema in the neck and abdomen were prominent. Round, disseminated, whitish necrotic foci were noted in the congested liver. Microscopic examination revealed chromatolysis in brain neurons. Multifocal coagulation necroses were found in the liver. Non-purulent, subacute myocarditis, thromboembolic nephritis, and interstitial pneumonia were observed. Microbiological examination revealed mixed cultures of Burkholderia cepacia and Aeromonas hydrophila in brain, lung, liver, kidney, and heart samples.