Preventing Reproductive-Related Diseases in Companion Birds

Many reproductive-related diseases in companion birds, such as chronic egg laying, ovarian disease and cloacal prolapse, are difficult to treat and rarely cured, negatively impacting the bird's quality of life. Researchers will evaluate the effectiveness of a nonsurgical technique involving a single injection carrying a substance that will target hormone-producing cells in birds. If effective in reducing or eliminating hormone production, the technique could potentially save the lives of thousands of avian patients destined to die or be euthanized because of hormone-related diseases or reproductive-related behavioral problems. New information gained from this study also may inform permanent, non-surgical population control methods in other species, including white-tailed deer, wild horses, and free-roaming cats and dogs.