Hi all
I was at Namadgi National Park this afternoon and took these photos of a fairy wren with what looks like growths or tumours on his foot, beak and face. Has anyone seen anything like this before. He did not seem troubled and could still move pretty quickly. I just thought he had food in his mouth and wasn't untill I downloaded the photos that I noticed. Has anyone any answers.
Diane
Oh my goodness Diane, I wonder how the poor little darling eats - I guess he clearly does as other than the growths he appears o.k., other than his feathers looking a little on the less groomed side - and as you mentioned, gets around & about. So sorry, I have no helpful input. Hopefuly someone else will be able to give some sort of answer?
West Coast Tasmania
The poor thing looks like it is in a really terrible state! Surviving, but those things can't be comfortable. I wonder, if it is having trouble grooming, would it be able to eat properly?
Sorry, I don't know what it is- the only bird disease I know is Psittacine Beak and Feather disease (which this clearly isn't).
A random thought I had this morning Diane, was if it is at all possible that this bird could be contagious to other Wrens/birds?
Quite possibly simply a case of genetics perhaps - but a random thought like I said, given cancer in some animal species is transmissable, i.e. Devil Facial Tumour Disease, some types of small mammal Leukemias etc.
Just an idea, but do you think it would be worth reporting to the Rangers at the National Park where you spotted him/her?
West Coast Tasmania
Oh my goodness! I don't even know what to say really...
I would lean more towards it not being contagious - but re the Devils, it absolutely could be. I might take a photo of my screen and send it to my cousin who is a vet (and who's father in law is a bird vet). Chances are it will be very difficult to diagnose without having the bird in the hand but if I find out anything I will let you all know.
Some parasite could have deposited some eggs under the bird’s skin, that might mean some kind of tiny worms might emerge?
Although ticks on birds and animals look darker, I wouldn't discount a "tick infestation"
Patrik
Thanks for all your interest - it would be interesting to have a vetinary comment. I thought I would go and talk to the rangers this afternoon and just let them know but I know what their answe will be "that they do not have enough resources etc for one bird"
Keep you all posted
Diane
Hi everone
Update on the little wren at Namadgi - I emailed the ranger there and they got in touch with the Government Vet here and this is his response of what it could be
Fungal infection (usually Aspergillus), may ultimately involve the lungs
· Avian pox virus, common to a number of bird species. Similar lesions often seen in pigeons which harbour a related strain.
I saw him again this morning and he does appear to be a "loner" and is looking rather scruffy. I guess there is nothing they can do about it as they move like greased lightning.
Will let you know if I hear anything else
Diane