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During the Association of Avian Veterinarians' 2000 convention, Dr. David Phalen of Texas A & M University gave a ground breaking presentation on his research with the organism known as megabacteria. This presentation contains the most current, up-to-date information available on this organism. Texas A & M University is the only avian research facility in the United States working with megabacteria. The International Parrotlet Society has recently raised more than $3,000 for Dr. Phalen's work with this organism. For years, that has been a lot of misinformation discussed and published about megabacteria. Until very recently, no one knew what megabacteria really was except that it is an organism. Megabacteria is an organism that has been around for a very long time and is prevalent in many wild populations of birds. Is it a pathogen that causes disease? Is it a bacterium? A fungus? No one knew for sure. Many lay people felt they had the answers but as researchers and veterinarians have shown, most of the published information is proving to have been wrong. Megabacteria is a large organism that has been identified as a fungus by Dr. Phalen. (It has always been previously reported as a bacteria). Dr. Phalen's team are the only researchers that have successfully grown the fungus outside of the body. It is found in the Proventricular isthmus. A variety of well-respected veterinarians have different opinions on whether or not it is pathogenic. It may also only cause disease when the bird is under stress. Bio-molecular studies have been inconclusive. Diagnosis in birds is best made by postmortem examination. Fecal examination can give inaccurate results. Standard treatment is with Amphotericin-B a controversial drug that is no longer manufactured (it can be purchased from pharmaceutical compounders by prescription). Dr. Darrel Styles, research veteriarian at Texas A & M, advises caution be used when treating with Amphotericin-B due to its high toxicity. It is recommend that a direct stain on feces looking for protozoa also be performed. Most protozoa respond well to Amphotericin-B and this could be a factor in suspected cases of megabacteria. It is suggested that other drugs successful in treating protozoa be utilized. Fortunately, as stated previously, Dr. Phalen's team, has been successful in reproducing the fungus outside of the body. This allows them to work on new treatment protocols. This includes the use of other less toxic and more easily available anti-fungal medications. Dr. Styles reiterated the fact that no one has the definitive answer when it comes to megabacteria at this time but we are learning quickly. We must continue to raise funds for this research. He also strongly cautioned against the use of "Internet science" and the indiscriminate use of Amphotericin-B; safer alternative drugs should be used. Finally, he reminded us that good husbandry including clean facilities, proper nutrition and, quarantine of new birds are all necessary in order to have healthy, productive birds. Dr. Brian Speer, long considered the veterinary expert in treating privately owned birds for megabacteria, wholeheartedly supports this research and agrees with the findings thus far. However, Dr. Speer cautions that many people have already made up their mind about this organism and no matter what the veterinary or scientific community has proved, they will continue to relay unreliable and inaccurate information. Do not let a closed mind cloud your judgment and perhaps endanger your birds. Learn all you can, listen to your common sense and help support this vital research. Send your tax deductible contributions to: Texas A & M University c/o Dr. David Phalen, College of Veterinary Medicine, Large Animal Medicine & Surgery, College Station, Texas, 77843-4475. http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/schubot/
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