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The information below is an outline of common, typical problems and ailments in emu. Please use it as a guide and seek veterinary help if you are in any way unsure of the best step to take. Emu health can decline very quickly. A normal vet, usually a farm vet should be able to visit you, advise and take blood samples if necessary. Fecal samples can be taken to the vet by yourself. It isn't always the case that emu need attention from a specialist vet. There are lots of interesting articles regarding emu health on the Research Papers page, which expand on the subjects below and address other problems not mentioned here. A list of nutritional properties for emu feed brands is available in News and Articles |
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Subjects covered on this page can be found quickly by the topic links below
Emu weight for medications
A full grown emu weighs around 50KG, which is around 8 stone, or 110 pounds
Splayed leg in emuSplayed leg, sometimes known as spraddle leg is the most common issue with emu, especially the young, and is one of the simplest things that can be avoided.
Choose babies from good unrelated parents. When babies hatch, give them vitamin B. This can be done simply by adding vitamin B drops to the emu's water supply, vitamin B powder to their food, or even some brewers yeast or yeast extract to the water. One of the biggest causes of weak legs in chicks is due to parent nutrition. The parent birds need to be fed the correct feed in order to produce healthy offspring. Ostrich / emu breeders or layers pellets are formulated for breeding adults. The most important thing of all is to keep emu away from slippery surfaces; this can't be stressed enough. Put towels or other non-slip materials down in the brooders and cages of young emu, and keep them away from slippery surfaces, such as wooden, tiled and laminated flooring. Emu chicks also need lot's of space to run around to exercise and strengthen the leg muscles and tendons. When an emu runs around on slick floors the legs are being trained to slide out to the side and will not grow straight. Legs can also turn out if an emu is turning in the same direction constantly within it's enclosure, here a rotational deformity can occur over time and can be avoided, but not keeping emu in small enclosures and making sure they have enough things of interest within their enclosures to keep them entertained and away from pacing the fence line. 
Photo showing a splayed leg where the hip has turned out
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Splayed leg is where the hip turns out and the leg then starts turning slowly out to the side over time. An emu may live on a splayed leg for quite some time without problems, but there will come a time when the emu will need to be put down because the bird will become very unstable.
The younger the bird with splayed leg, the easier the condition is to fix. To treat a splayed leg you will need to bind both legs together. In young birds this can be done with medical tape. Simply wrap the tape around each leg and then across to each leg (example image below). The legs need to be parallel and the bird will need food and water close by, as it will not be able to move. It shouldn't take long, probably only a couple of days before the leg(s) start to show improvement. Below are more detailed instructions about how to apply an appropriate hobble, with a sample image. This process, however, is not so easy to apply with older emu, such as juvenile and adult birds; though there have been cases of people curing splayed leg in juvenile birds. Sometimes this is done using a hammock; your emu would have its legs hanging from the hammock and then bound in the same manner as previously described for young birds. An operation to have the hip reset by a vet is possible, if you can find a vet who is willing to do so. It would be very costly and the emu would still have to spend recovery time in a specially made hammock. So, to even attempt this you would need to consider the temperament of your emu, the resources you have to accomodate the bird post-operation, and the costs. There is a patent for an othopedic leg brace for ratites, however, I do not know if it has been proven helpful... https://patents.google.com/patent/US5634437A/en Information on how to help an emu chick with a wide gait can be found on the Caring For Emu Chicks page. |
Leg bracing / hobble for fixing splayed / spraddle leg in emu chicks.
The chick in this photo was just used as an example.
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Fixing splayed / spraddled leg in emu chicksYou will need a pair of scissors and some 2.5mm medical tape.
Have someone hold the chick until it is calm with the chicks feet out in front, the feet can be resting on something if the chick feels more secured that way. Apply the medical tape around the first leg (not too tight!), then around the second leg and back across the sticky bit, so the two sticky bits attach to each other. You will need the legs to be straight, not quite parallel as they need to be slightly wider at the bottom than they are at the top. Now take another, smaller piece of the medical tape and wrap the other way across the middle tape in between the legs, this will keep it firmer in the middle. A similar method can be made by putting a hair band around the first leg, cutting a plastic straw to size, then threading the hair band through the straw, so the straw sits in between the legs, then the other end of the hair band goes round the other leg. This method is used by people but not really advised since hair bands can cut in to the leg. The hobble will need to stay in place for 24 - 48 hours. Check it every few hours to make sure it is not too tight, emu legs grow quickly, even in a day. If after a couple of days there is no improvement you may need to apply it again for a while longer. |
Emu Limping
If your emu is limping, there is a chance that the foot is swollen, it could feel hot to the touch too. Firstly check the back of the foot for thorns, nails or anything else that the emu may have trodden on. If you can't get near enough to see by eye (being careful of backward kicks), then wait until your emu is sitting and run your hand over the underside of the foot and in between the toes. If anything is splintered into the emus foot, gently pull it out and then coat the wound with blue spray/blue cote, or Iodine. If possible, keeping the emu on clean substrate would be wise, but not always practical, so keep up the spraying with blue spray/blue cote or Iodine. If the swelling remains after a day or two, it would be wise to seek some antibiotics from the vet.
If there are no apparent splinters then there could be a chance of a fracture or break or slipped tendon within the foot, and you may wish to seek veterinary advice if this does not heal over time. Over time fractures can cause a bit of arthritis with age.
If there are no apparent splinters then there could be a chance of a fracture or break or slipped tendon within the foot, and you may wish to seek veterinary advice if this does not heal over time. Over time fractures can cause a bit of arthritis with age.
Curled toes and curling of feathers
Curled toes is a symptom of Vitamin B2 deficiency. In the case of curled toes, add a vitamin B supplement to the water. Curled toes is a lot more common in emu chicks when the embryos are forming in the egg, which often indicates that the parents were lacking in B vitamins whilst breeding, particularly Riboflavin (B2). In cases of curled toes in chicks, paddles can be placed under the feet, the toes held flat with a strong but gentle tape, such as masking tape. Doing this will usually straighten the toes, along with an increase in vitamin B's.
Curling of the feathers is a symptom of a lack of Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and / or Biotin (Vitamin B7). Should you encounter curling of the feathers use a good vitamin B complex in the emus water.
A lack of B5 and B7 can also cause Hyperkeratosis of the skin, most often affected around the neck, feet and mouth.
Curling of the feathers is a symptom of a lack of Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) and / or Biotin (Vitamin B7). Should you encounter curling of the feathers use a good vitamin B complex in the emus water.
A lack of B5 and B7 can also cause Hyperkeratosis of the skin, most often affected around the neck, feet and mouth.
Diagram showing the leg bones and joints of an emu.
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Diagram taken from Hip Joint Contact Force in the emu (Domaius novaehollaniae) during normal level walking. This and many other research papers on emu, emu limbs and emu health can be found on our Research Papers page. |
Wry Neck
The various causes of Wry Neck have been put down to genetic disorder, parent diet, head injury and ingesting toxin, but the most common cause of Wry Neck seems to be vitamin deficiency, mostly vitamin E and vitamin B complex, in particular B1 known as Thiamine. Getting chicks, or hatching eggs from parents on a correct diet, will greatly decrease your chances of chicks having wry neck.
An emu chick doesn't always hold its head up very well for the first couple of days when it has been squashed up in the egg, but, after a couple of days, if the head is still not lifted, it may need supplements, although vitamin B's or a general avian vitamin supplement should be added to the water of chicks as soon as they start drinking, once they have absorbed their yolk. A brand called Rooster Booster offer various vitamin supplements and is often recommended. Emu chicks do not eat or drink for the first 2 to 3 days whilst absorbing their yolk. So there is no reason to immediately assume that they have Wry Neck when they hatch. For the first few days after hatching it is good to have a small cushion or cuddly toy around for them to rest their heads on.
At the first sign of Wry Neck increase the dosage of, or introduce vitamin dietary supplements immediately, Vitamin E and B's, the chick will also need Selenium to be able to absorb Vitamin E. Vitamin B injections can be acquired from the vet using a dosage of around 1cc a day for 3 days for the treatment of Wry Neck. A bird with Wry Neck may be unable to eat, so syringe feeding may be necessary in such a case. Birds with Wry Neck can dehydrate very quickly, which is something to be mindful of. Only syringe fluids to emu when totally necessary and be very careful not to get fluids down the airways, you need to be aiming at the back of the throat, a little bit at a time. It is thought that Vitamin B's are more important in the treatment of Wry Neck than Vitamin E with Selenium, unlike the treatment for chickens.
Chicks fed on only Kale seem to develop Wry Neck too, Kale is rich in vitamins A, D, B6, C, E and K, but doesn't have much B1 and B12. Also, chicks fed on medicated crumb almost always develop Wry Neck as medicated chick crumb contains Thiamine blocker.
Wry Neck is more common in chicks and young birds, so it is important to feed breeding adults the correct food combination of ratite pellets with fruits, vegetables and leafy greens, to avoid this condition at hatch. Always remember to choose good adults for breeding.
To increase Vitamin E and B complex in a sick emu you can use vitamin drops in the water, brewers yeast (B complex), supplements like Rooster Booster. sunflower seeds and shoots, wheatgerm or bran. Vitamin E can be found naturally in thyme, rosemary, dill, tarragon, chives, coriander, basil, oregano, mint, parsley, majoram, alfalfa, dandelion, nettle, raspberry leaf, rose hips, spinach, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Selenium will need to be added too to help the body absorb the vitamin E. Sunflower seeds and shoots contain high vitamin E and Selenium.
Getting emu outdoors when the weather is warm enough, if only for a short while will help dramatically with Wry Neck.
An emu chick doesn't always hold its head up very well for the first couple of days when it has been squashed up in the egg, but, after a couple of days, if the head is still not lifted, it may need supplements, although vitamin B's or a general avian vitamin supplement should be added to the water of chicks as soon as they start drinking, once they have absorbed their yolk. A brand called Rooster Booster offer various vitamin supplements and is often recommended. Emu chicks do not eat or drink for the first 2 to 3 days whilst absorbing their yolk. So there is no reason to immediately assume that they have Wry Neck when they hatch. For the first few days after hatching it is good to have a small cushion or cuddly toy around for them to rest their heads on.
At the first sign of Wry Neck increase the dosage of, or introduce vitamin dietary supplements immediately, Vitamin E and B's, the chick will also need Selenium to be able to absorb Vitamin E. Vitamin B injections can be acquired from the vet using a dosage of around 1cc a day for 3 days for the treatment of Wry Neck. A bird with Wry Neck may be unable to eat, so syringe feeding may be necessary in such a case. Birds with Wry Neck can dehydrate very quickly, which is something to be mindful of. Only syringe fluids to emu when totally necessary and be very careful not to get fluids down the airways, you need to be aiming at the back of the throat, a little bit at a time. It is thought that Vitamin B's are more important in the treatment of Wry Neck than Vitamin E with Selenium, unlike the treatment for chickens.
Chicks fed on only Kale seem to develop Wry Neck too, Kale is rich in vitamins A, D, B6, C, E and K, but doesn't have much B1 and B12. Also, chicks fed on medicated crumb almost always develop Wry Neck as medicated chick crumb contains Thiamine blocker.
Wry Neck is more common in chicks and young birds, so it is important to feed breeding adults the correct food combination of ratite pellets with fruits, vegetables and leafy greens, to avoid this condition at hatch. Always remember to choose good adults for breeding.
To increase Vitamin E and B complex in a sick emu you can use vitamin drops in the water, brewers yeast (B complex), supplements like Rooster Booster. sunflower seeds and shoots, wheatgerm or bran. Vitamin E can be found naturally in thyme, rosemary, dill, tarragon, chives, coriander, basil, oregano, mint, parsley, majoram, alfalfa, dandelion, nettle, raspberry leaf, rose hips, spinach, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds. Selenium will need to be added too to help the body absorb the vitamin E. Sunflower seeds and shoots contain high vitamin E and Selenium.
Getting emu outdoors when the weather is warm enough, if only for a short while will help dramatically with Wry Neck.
If using something like Rooster Booster, you will not need to add other vitamins separately, although a great diet on top will help too. You can still add the vitamins supplements to their water whilst birds have vitamin B injections.
Separate an emu with Wry Neck from a mob, as it may be picked on by others and pushed around or trampled.
Separate an emu with Wry Neck from a mob, as it may be picked on by others and pushed around or trampled.
Feather Loss in emu
The first thing to consider with feather loss in emu is whether or not your emu is sharing space with goats, especially pygmy goats, who seem to have a taste for emu feathers! Feathers can also be lost from emu fighting, rubbing their bodies along trees or fencing, or incorrect diet.
If none of the above apply and no mites are seen, then it would be advisable to call a vet out to check for anything viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic.
Mites and lice tend not to be common in emu, but if they have them you will notice them scratching. The best places to look for mites on emu are at the shaft of the feather, and on the skin around the legs, wings, vent and neck.
Mites on emu will usually not not suck blood (unless there is a bad infestation), but eat the feathers. The mites feed at night and are very hard to spot. Their eggs are easier to see at the base of the feather and on the barbs of the feathers.
The bald patch on emu stomachs is normal; it is from where they have been laying on hard ground. Hatchlings don't have this patch.
If none of the above apply and no mites are seen, then it would be advisable to call a vet out to check for anything viral, fungal, bacterial or parasitic.
Mites and lice tend not to be common in emu, but if they have them you will notice them scratching. The best places to look for mites on emu are at the shaft of the feather, and on the skin around the legs, wings, vent and neck.
Mites on emu will usually not not suck blood (unless there is a bad infestation), but eat the feathers. The mites feed at night and are very hard to spot. Their eggs are easier to see at the base of the feather and on the barbs of the feathers.
The bald patch on emu stomachs is normal; it is from where they have been laying on hard ground. Hatchlings don't have this patch.
Emu do moult and their feathers grow back through the summer months in time for winter.
Female emu will often lose feathers at bottom of the necks by the top of their backs in breeding season, this where the male sometimes bites her during breeding, it is quite normal.
Feather loss can also be attributed to Giardia, although Giardia comes with other symptoms too such as weight loss, poor growth and diarrhoea
Female emu will often lose feathers at bottom of the necks by the top of their backs in breeding season, this where the male sometimes bites her during breeding, it is quite normal.
Feather loss can also be attributed to Giardia, although Giardia comes with other symptoms too such as weight loss, poor growth and diarrhoea
Parasites and wormsTo determine if your emu has worms or internal parasites you would need to take a fecal sample to your vets for examination, unless you can see worms in their droppings. In this case your local vet will be able to provide medication for your emu.
It is recommended to only treat emu for worms and parasites if you suspect they may have them. Some emu suffer more than others with mites and worms, depending on the environment of their home country. Emu can attract ticks in the summer which are generally found around the neck. If you ever stroke your emu and feel a lump it is worth inspecting, as this may be a tick. Ticks can be removed by a tick tool, purchased from vets, pet shops, Amazon or Ebay. Once a tick has been removed give the area where you found the tick on the emu a spray with Terramycin or Iodine and keep an eye on the area. There may be a raised lump for a day or so. Autumn is the season to use wormer if you feel you need to. The need to worm varies from country to country. In the UK there is not much need to worm unless you actually see worms. In the US worming is done more often due to a particular internal parasite that can affect the nervous system and slowly paralyse the emu. |
Photo showing a young tick on an emu
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Ivermectin is given for worms generally, via oral administration, as injection is less effective. Panacur, Fenbendazole and Safeguard are considered less effective, but fine for some intestinal worms and Tapeworm.
If mites are found then a couple of drops of Noromectin can be applied to the back of the emus neck, but no need to dose emu for mites unless you see them. Be careful if you decide to treat mites with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Powder, as emu have a large area to cover and too much DE can cause respiratory problems.
If mites are found then a couple of drops of Noromectin can be applied to the back of the emus neck, but no need to dose emu for mites unless you see them. Be careful if you decide to treat mites with Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Powder, as emu have a large area to cover and too much DE can cause respiratory problems.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE, EEEV)
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EEE affects emu and is transmitted by the Culiseta melanura mosquito. It is found mostly in the US, and it advisable to keep a regular check of the stats and maps of cases, and if you find it is in your area then there are vaccines available, and also booster shots. There is no need to vaccinate for this within Europe since there are no cases and EEE doesn't affect European countries. In Europe no vaccines are required or needed for any illness for emu. In the US vaccines are available to buy from your tractor supply and online via www.jefferspet.com and will be labelled as Equine Encephalomyelitis or EWT (Eastern, Western, Tetanus). It is advised to check with your vet how often this needs doing within your area. Injections are given to emu in to the thigh muscle.
Information below from the CDC website, where more information and maps of infected areas can be found. Transmission Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is maintained in a cycle between Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and avian hosts in freshwater hardwood swamps. Culiseta melanura is not considered to be an important vector of EEEV to people because it feeds almost exclusively on birds. Transmission to people requires another mosquito species to create a “bridge” between infected birds and uninfected mammals, such as people or horses. Most of the bridge species are within the Aedes, Coquillettidia, and Culex genera. Horses are susceptible to EEEV infection and many cases are fatal. EEEV infections in horses, however, are not a significant risk factor for human infection because horses (like humans) are considered to be “dead-end” hosts for the virus (i.e., the concentration of virus in their bloodstreams is usually insufficient to infect mosquitoes). There is a vaccine to prevent EEEV infection in horses. |
https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/tech/epi.html
The link above takes you to statistics and maps, plus further information about EEE. |
Information to Reduce Mosquito Popululations and Protect Yourself, taken from Outbreak News Today, below.
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
- Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
- Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
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A download of the Cornell University Fact Sheet below
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Cuts and grazes
General cuts and grazes can be treated with Terramycin spray, Iodine or Neosporin, Betadine, Blue Kote, Vetericyn. Make sure you have cleaned the wound well before you apply. It is always handy to keep a can of Terramycin (UK), Bluekote in other countries. Keep a close eye on open wounds as they can becoming infected, and check for maggots often.
For deep cuts your emu's wound may need cleaning and gluing by a vet. Painkillers may also be needed from your vet depending on where on the body the injury is, for example, if a cut or graze is making it difficult for the emu to walk, or the emu may seem in pain. An emu may not eat or drink if they are in pain.
If your emu should get maggots in a wound, make sure to clean the wound and use BlueKote (In the UK that would be Terramycin spray). Iodine could also be used. Peroxide is not to be used on emu cuts and grazes.
If you bandage an emu that is hard to catch and calm, keep in mind that the bandage will need to be removed.
In a case of infection antibiotics can be obtained from your local farm vet. If the vet refuses to treat emu because they lack the knowledge, antibiotics used for other animals can be used. For dosage a full grown emu will weight around 50KG.
If your emu should get maggots in a wound, make sure to clean the wound and use BlueKote (In the UK that would be Terramycin spray). Iodine could also be used. Peroxide is not to be used on emu cuts and grazes.
If you bandage an emu that is hard to catch and calm, keep in mind that the bandage will need to be removed.
In a case of infection antibiotics can be obtained from your local farm vet. If the vet refuses to treat emu because they lack the knowledge, antibiotics used for other animals can be used. For dosage a full grown emu will weight around 50KG.
Taking an Emus Temperature
You can often tell if an emu has an infection by feeling their body just beneath the wings as they would have a hotter temperature., in the same way a human would have a temperature. It is a good idea for your emu to get used to you handling them under the wing, so should you ever need to take their temperature you are able.
You can often tell if an emu has an infection by feeling their body just beneath the wings as they would have a hotter temperature., in the same way a human would have a temperature. It is a good idea for your emu to get used to you handling them under the wing, so should you ever need to take their temperature you are able.
Eye problemsEmu can get swollen eyes. They have a tendency to bump their eyes and catch them. They can also scratch their eyes with their long claws and catch themselves on trees such as Blackthorn, which can give a skin reaction; although the emu love the sloes from this tree. If this happens and the skin around the eye swells, it can be treated by spraying Colloidal Silver (45ppm) onto the eye. Spraying rather than dabbing is less stressful to the emu.
If this doesn't look better after a day or so there could be some infection, if so, use Chloramphenicol (UK and Europe), Teramycin is used in some countries, this you can get from your vets and in some cases, the farm supply store. Administer to the eye three times a day. Drops are better than cream as drops can be put straight in to the eye from the dropper or the top of the bottle. Do not use Terramycin blue spray on the eyes. Neosporin can also work, but you will need to use the one without pain relief. Chickens can pass Pink Eye on to emu, if this is the case then use Vetericyn, but be sure of the diagnosis first, it will look pink on the eyeball in a bloodshot way and is a type of Conjunctivitis. Chicks with congenital condition can go blind at a few weeks old, this is a cloudy grey cataract that takes over the iris/s. If the whole eye ball has a blue film across it then it is an infection which can be treated with Chloramphenicol drops or cream, or Teramycin cream or drops. |
The inflamed eyelid on the emu above has been caught on Blackthorn
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Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
Localised information should be available on your government's website. In the UK, information can be found here: .gov.uk website.
It is advised that birds are not transported in times of Bird Flu. To move your animals abroad you may need to check with your relevant government body for approval. For example, in the UK that would be DEFRA. (Please send in any relevant links for your country). Some countries, such as the US, will not allow the importation of birds from countries where Avian Flu exists.
Extra biosecurity will be needed, this may include making sure no wild birds get in to the emu feed and water supplies, having a disinfectant foot bath on the entrance to your emu fields and enclosures, and not allowing vehicles to pass through your emu pasture. It is deemed cruel to lock up emu as we may do with poultry during an outbreak, so we do need to be careful where we can.
Although humans can catch Avian Influenza from emu it is extremely rare.
Below is a file about biosecurity in poultry and captive birds.
It is advised that birds are not transported in times of Bird Flu. To move your animals abroad you may need to check with your relevant government body for approval. For example, in the UK that would be DEFRA. (Please send in any relevant links for your country). Some countries, such as the US, will not allow the importation of birds from countries where Avian Flu exists.
Extra biosecurity will be needed, this may include making sure no wild birds get in to the emu feed and water supplies, having a disinfectant foot bath on the entrance to your emu fields and enclosures, and not allowing vehicles to pass through your emu pasture. It is deemed cruel to lock up emu as we may do with poultry during an outbreak, so we do need to be careful where we can.
Although humans can catch Avian Influenza from emu it is extremely rare.
Below is a file about biosecurity in poultry and captive birds.
| biosecurity-poultry-guide.pdf |
Information below taken from petmd.
Avian influenza (or bird flu) is a lung and airway disease found in birds, and is caused by the influenza virus. This viral infection can also spread to humans, so if your bird is infected, seek immediate treatment and take all necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.
Because of its infectious potential to humans, any breakout of avian influenza has to be reported to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Recently, a ban has been placed on imported pet birds from countries where bird flu has been reported (i.e., certain African, Asian and European countries).
To make sure your new bird does not have avian influenza, get it examined by a veterinarian for infectious diseases and inquire about the bird’s origins.
Symptoms and Types
The symptoms for avian influenza include:
Causes
Avian influenza is spread through direct contact with nasal discharges and feces of an infected bird. Any bird can be infected with this virus, including wild birds, domestic or pet birds, and poultry.
Treatment
Any bird showing symptoms of avian influenza should be quarantined immediately and separated from the rest of the birds (or humans). The veterinarian will diagnose the bird flu through tests for viral infection. The treatment, however, is dependent on the specific virus infecting the bird.
Prevention
A vaccine has been developed to prevent avian influenza, but its success in birds (other than poultry) is dubious. Therefore, it is important to prevent exposure and contact with infected birds, if at all possible.
Quarantining the infected birds and thoroughly disinfecting the environment, will also prevent the avian influenza from spreading.
The latest information from Animal and Plant Health Agency August 2022 states...
"Ratites
Ratites, such as ostriches, cannot be housed on a long-term basis, but the susceptibility of
such birds to this virus is not known at present. Ratites are often refractory to HPAI
infection from other viruses. However, there has been a case in Germany of an emu
showing clinical signs in a zoo and therefore these birds should also be considered
susceptible."
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for advice on Hyde County
Interactive map from APHA UK showing areas of outbreak in the UK.
Avian Influenza (bird flu): Latest situation - UK advice and regulations
Avian influenza (or bird flu) is a lung and airway disease found in birds, and is caused by the influenza virus. This viral infection can also spread to humans, so if your bird is infected, seek immediate treatment and take all necessary precautions to prevent an outbreak of bird flu.
Because of its infectious potential to humans, any breakout of avian influenza has to be reported to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States. Recently, a ban has been placed on imported pet birds from countries where bird flu has been reported (i.e., certain African, Asian and European countries).
To make sure your new bird does not have avian influenza, get it examined by a veterinarian for infectious diseases and inquire about the bird’s origins.
Symptoms and Types
The symptoms for avian influenza include:
- Lack of appetite
- Breathing problems
- Swelling of the head
- Discharge from the eyes
- Diarrhea
- Depression
Causes
Avian influenza is spread through direct contact with nasal discharges and feces of an infected bird. Any bird can be infected with this virus, including wild birds, domestic or pet birds, and poultry.
Treatment
Any bird showing symptoms of avian influenza should be quarantined immediately and separated from the rest of the birds (or humans). The veterinarian will diagnose the bird flu through tests for viral infection. The treatment, however, is dependent on the specific virus infecting the bird.
Prevention
A vaccine has been developed to prevent avian influenza, but its success in birds (other than poultry) is dubious. Therefore, it is important to prevent exposure and contact with infected birds, if at all possible.
Quarantining the infected birds and thoroughly disinfecting the environment, will also prevent the avian influenza from spreading.
The latest information from Animal and Plant Health Agency August 2022 states...
"Ratites
Ratites, such as ostriches, cannot be housed on a long-term basis, but the susceptibility of
such birds to this virus is not known at present. Ratites are often refractory to HPAI
infection from other viruses. However, there has been a case in Germany of an emu
showing clinical signs in a zoo and therefore these birds should also be considered
susceptible."
North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for advice on Hyde County
Interactive map from APHA UK showing areas of outbreak in the UK.
Avian Influenza (bird flu): Latest situation - UK advice and regulations
Emu Keepers and Breeders Community Worldwide on Facebook may be able to offer advice and further help with your birds from long term experienced keepers
Poisoning from Plants
Emu generally avoid plants that are not good for them, they seem to instinctively know what they can and can't eat. But there are some plants that are best avoided. The information below is taken from Emu Today & Tomorrow
Black Locust - leaves and seeds.
If eaten in large quantities it can cause: weakness, dilated pupils, bloody diarrhoea, weak pulse, the circulation slows and gets cold, shock.
Buffalo Nut - seeds
Causes: severe mouth irritation similar to blister beetles
Cherry - seeds, leaves and twigs
Causes: gasping and respiratory failure, spasms, convulsions and death
Oak - acorns
Causes: bloody diarrhoea, excessive thirst, urination
Buckeye - seeds
Causes: muscles weakness, paralysis, dilated pupils, diarrhoea and stupor before death
Chinaberry - fruit
If eaten in large quantities it can cause: stomach irritation, bloody diarrhoea, paralysis, irregular breathing, respiratory distress and chick death
Hydrangea - all parts
If eaten in large quantities it can cause chick death
Tobacco - all parts
Causes: diarrhoea, staggering, breathing difficulties and death
Black Locust - leaves and seeds.
If eaten in large quantities it can cause: weakness, dilated pupils, bloody diarrhoea, weak pulse, the circulation slows and gets cold, shock.
Buffalo Nut - seeds
Causes: severe mouth irritation similar to blister beetles
Cherry - seeds, leaves and twigs
Causes: gasping and respiratory failure, spasms, convulsions and death
Oak - acorns
Causes: bloody diarrhoea, excessive thirst, urination
Buckeye - seeds
Causes: muscles weakness, paralysis, dilated pupils, diarrhoea and stupor before death
Chinaberry - fruit
If eaten in large quantities it can cause: stomach irritation, bloody diarrhoea, paralysis, irregular breathing, respiratory distress and chick death
Hydrangea - all parts
If eaten in large quantities it can cause chick death
Tobacco - all parts
Causes: diarrhoea, staggering, breathing difficulties and death
