Slide Conference 2009 - 2010 Conference 21 14 April 2010

History: Tissues submitted were from multiple individuals that were among 12 captive Australian finches in the same exhibit that presented with feather loss, dehydration, weight loss, lethargy, and/or respiratory distress. Most birds died or were euthanized shortly after presentation (1-2 days). On physical exam, these birds were very thin and dehydrated, and had feather loss on their heads and necks. Many were treated with fluids, enrofloxacin, and injectable calcium with little clinical response. Other affected species included the diamond firetail finch (Emblema guttata), star finch (Neochmia ruficauda), black-throated finch (Poephila cincta), double-barred finch (Poephila bichenovi), red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis), masked finch (Poephila personata), and blue-faced parrot finch (Erythrura trichroa). The birds ranged from 7 months to 3 years and 8 months of age, and most were acquired from an outside source.