CAS Health & Disease Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a common sign of illness in birds?
- Fluffed-up feathers (Correct answer)
- Increased vocalization
- Frequent preening
- Perching on one leg
Correct answer: Fluffed-up feathers
Fluffed-up feathers indicate that a bird may be unwell, as they try to conserve heat when feeling sick.
Question 2: Which avian disease is highly contagious and affects the respiratory system?
- Psittacosis
- Avian influenza (Correct answer)
- Bumblefoot
- Aspergillosis
Correct answer: Avian influenza
Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects the respiratory and digestive systems of birds and can spread rapidly.
Question 3: What is the primary cause of bumblefoot in birds?
- Lack of sunlight
- Inappropriate perches and obesity (Correct answer)
- Excessive flying
- Overhydration
Correct answer: Inappropriate perches and obesity
Bumblefoot is caused by prolonged pressure on the feet, often due to inappropriate perches or obesity.
Question 4: Which nutrient is crucial for maintaining strong bird bones and preventing metabolic bone disease?
- Vitamin C
- Calcium (Correct answer)
- Iron
- Potassium
Correct answer: Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong bones in birds and helps prevent metabolic bone disease, especially in growing birds.
Question 5: How can psittacosis be transmitted to humans?
- Through mosquito bites
- Through inhalation of dried droppings or respiratory secretions (Correct answer)
- By consuming contaminated water
- By touching a bird’s beak
Correct answer: Through inhalation of dried droppings or respiratory secretions
Psittacosis, also known as parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can spread to humans through inhalation of dried bird droppings or respiratory secretions.
Question 6: What is a common preventive measure to reduce the risk of aspergillosis in birds?
- Providing only dry food
- Maintaining proper ventilation and reducing mold exposure (Correct answer)
- Keeping birds in enclosed, humid areas
- Increasing artificial lighting
Correct answer: Maintaining proper ventilation and reducing mold exposure
Maintaining proper ventilation and reducing mold exposure help prevent aspergillosis, a fungal infection that affects the respiratory system.
CAS Health & Disease Management
What is a common sign of illness in birds?