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My African Grey died from PBFD. Should I discard all toys and cage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 5 months and 10 days old

Hi! I ordered a Congo African Grey baby from a pet store/breeder in Chicago. She was 12 wks old. At 17 weeks I found her dead I'm the bottom of her cage. Necropsy shows pneumonia, aspergillis due to sever PBFD suppressing her immune system. Breeder denies having PBFD in his birds, but she was the only bird I had, and I truly believe she came to me with it. Do I need to destroy all toys, perches, stands, swings and all equipment? Do I have any recourse? Thank you very much, Dawn

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 27th, 2017

I am truly sorry at the loss of your precious Luna. I have two Greys of my own.
There is no known disinfectant that will kill the PBFD virus. You can sanitize hard, non porous items such as bowls or bottles. Soft toys and perches should be discarded. The cage can be sanitized, but the PBFD virus can remain in the environment for long periods of time, so you be assuming a certain amount of risk.
Unless there was a written healthy pet clause and/or health guarantee, you may not have much recourse. It would be your word against the breeder/seller.
Most reputable breeders will test new birds and chicks for PBFD. You should always ask this and about preventative care. If a breeder does not test or does not have their birds cared for by an experienced avian veterinarian, find a different breeder.
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