Eye Disease in Gang gang cockatoos

[Laura Johnson <>]

Hi Ben,

Welcome to the mailing list! I don't know much about the gang-gang eye affliction myself, other than that it happens, but I remember there was a discussion earlier this year on the topic. You can find it on the chatline archives here:

http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/html/canberrabirds/2013-09/msg00146.html

Hope that's some help!

Laura

 

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From: Ben Nicolson
Sent: Friday, 13 December 2013 10:32 AM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] Eye Disease in Gang gang cockatoos

Hello All,

My name is Ben and I'm new to the list. I have a query regarding Gang gang cockatoos and I hope someone can help me out.

I live in Hackett where there are a few gang gangs living, presumably in the area. I have been able to observe them over 2 decades of living here. Over the years I occasionally see one, usually a female that has become afflicted with something that affects one eye. The bald orb around the immediate eye area becomes a bit scabby/scalyand the eye opening narrows to a slit, eventually closing. Once closed, it seems permament. I've observed the same blind female returning year after year seemingly only slightly affected by the one blindness, with the male partner covering her "blind side".

Recently, (the last 2 years or so the incidence has increased and it seems now that in most pairs (at least half of the pairs) at least one bird becomes afflicted with this condition. I've observed it happening. Today I saw a male affected, in a pair that up until today were otherwise perfectly healthy.

I have tried to research eye conditions but have been unable to find anything about it.

I am wondering if anyone else has observed this or if there is info on possible causes. I am wondering firstly if it is a form of lice/mite/parasite that might be causing it. But the reality is I don't know and it could be anything at this stage.

Hope someone can help me out with this enquiry.

Regards,

Ben