Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus–Associated Dermatitis in a Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)

Abstract

A 2-year-old DNA-sexed female Congo African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) was evaluated for self-trauma of the feathers and skin of the tail base for a duration of more than 1 year. All rectrices and tail coverts were missing, the skin of the tail base was thickened and ulcerated, and the uropygial gland was swollen. Results of a complete blood cell count revealed relative monocytosis and basophilia. Survey radiographs showed truncation and lysis of the caudal vertebrae and pygostyle. Results of biopsy and bacterial culture of the tail base lesions revealed an ulcerative bacterial dermatitis positive for staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) type IV (community-acquired) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The bird was treated with oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meloxicam, fluoxetine, topical lidocaine gel, and hydrotherapy. One month later, tail feather regrowth was evident; however, follow-up over 2 years found continued self-trauma to the rectrices in spite of repeated skin biopsies negative for MRSA or other bacteria. It is unknown if the MRSA cultured from this bird was commensal or acquired from either the environment or humans to which the bird was exposed.

Bacteria Isolated From the Skin of Congo African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), and Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus)

“…In 1 report, a methicillin-resistant S aureus was isolated from the uropygial gland of a Congo African grey parrot. 11 In this case, the inciting lesion was thought to be caused by a fall; however, evidence suggested that the bird may have been irritated in the area before the event. It could not be determined if the bacteria isolated in this case was a primary infection or secondary.…”

Systemic staphylococcosis in partridge chicks

“…Macroscopic lesions in brain tissues following the injection of partridges were mostly inapparent, but the histopathological examination of the brain tissue revealed congestion and thrombosis. Experimentally induced staphylococcosis as well as naturally occurring disease have been reported in chickens (Mutalib et al 1983a, McNamee et al 2000, Jiang et al 2015, turkeys (Linares et al 2001, Corrand et al 2012, pet birds (Briscoe et al 2008, Huynh et al 2014, Iverson et al 2015, birds of prey (Poorbaghi et al 2012, Bezjian 2014, waterfowl (Degernes et al 2011, Mondal et al 2014, and other avian species (Lemon et al 2012). The pathogenesis of systemic infection with Staphylococcus aureus in chukar partridge chicks is not clearly defined.…”

Prudent Use of Antimicrobials in Exotic Animal Medicine

“…The occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has been reported in several exotic animal species, such as methicillin-resistant staphylococci in birds and rabbits, and extended-spectrum b-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in wild birds and turtles. [26][27][28][29][30]…”