Health and Welfare Assessment with Pathogen Analysis of Confiscated Parrots

Patricia J. Latas, DVM and Brooke Durham, Founder and Director, SoCal Parrot (SCIACC)

In February of 2025, SoCal International Avian Confiscation Center (SCIACC) received 200 birds from a suspected smuggling/ hoarding case. Originally thought to be a quarantine and release case, this cohort of birds has required longer term care as disease presented itself in the population. During the last several months, the HARCC grant has provided funds for the following: 259 PCRs for 17 pathogens, identifying 4 positives within the population, 3 being zoonotic and potentially lethal, resulting in 63 positive PCRs for these pathogens, and 72 re-tests. In addition, over 20 bacterial cultures have been analyzed, 8 pathogens identified, 10 microbiome tests submitted with 17 organisms of interest identified, and several full blood panels have been taken. Testing is ongoing as the population is continuously monitored for fluctuations in diseases present. Staff have given interns the invaluable experience of caring for and treating birds directly victimized by the pet parrot trade. This population of mixed parrot species will continue to be cared for at SCIACC under the veterinary expertise of Dr. Pat Latas and director Brooke Durham, allowing young career wildlife conservationists and wildlife rehabilitators a chance to learn and experience firsthand the intersection of wild parrot and captive pet trade, with focus on disease mitigation and management of smuggled birds.