Home / Environment / Rio's Blue Macaw Dies of Incurable Virus
Rio's Blue Macaw Dies of Incurable Virus
28 Nov
Summary
- Rare blue parrots reintroduced to Brazil now have a deadly virus.
- Spix's macaws, famed from 'Rio,' face extinction for a second time.
- Breeding center fined for failing biosafety protocols, spreading virus.
The future of the Spix's macaw, once thought extinct in the wild, is once again in peril. Rare blue parrots, recently reintroduced to Brazil after 25 years, have been diagnosed with a lethal circovirus. This incurable disease has proven fatal for most infected parrots, striking a significant blow to a program aimed at re-establishing the species in its native habitat.
The outbreak has affected both wild and captive populations. While approximately 20 macaws were released into the wild in Brazil, only 11 survived, and all have now tested positive for the virus. Additionally, 21 birds at a breeding center in Bahia have also been diagnosed with the disease. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint the virus's source.
Compounding the crisis, the Bluesky breeding center has been fined 1.8 million reais for failing to implement crucial biosafety protocols. Inspections revealed unsanitary conditions, including feces-encrusted feeders and workers handling birds without proper hygiene. This negligence has contributed to the spread of the virus, further jeopardizing the survival of this iconic species.
