Hematology of vaccinated and non-vaccinated long-billed corellas following infection with beak and feather disease virus (BFDV)

The hematological characteristics of juvenile long-billed corellas (Cacatua tenurostris), with or without prior administration of a psittacine beak and feather disease vaccine, were studied for 97 days after experimental infection with beak and feather disease virus (BFDV). It was found that the pre-challenge hematological values were similar between vaccinated and non-vaccinated corellas. Most pre-challenge parameters were comparable to previously reported values of other cockatoos and psittacine birds. Significant differences were seen in both groups when comparing pre-challenge values with post-challenge values for total and differential leukocyte concentrations, but packed cell volume and total serum protein were not significantly affected by BFDV challenge.