Categories: Integument (skin) phene

Mendelian trait/disorder: yes

Mode of inheritance: Probably autosomal recessive

Disease-related: yes

Key variant known: no

Species-specific name: Feather duster disease, chrysanthemum disease

Species-specific description: Affected animals present with continuous growth of flight, tail and contour feathers and have a reduced live expectancy due to malnutrition.

Inheritance: Oser and Berens von Rautenfeld (1977) report that pedigree analysis from data provided by two German budgerigar breeders support previous suggestions of a recessive mode of inheritance.

Clinical features: Affected birds appear larger in size from as early as 10-14 days of age. As fledglings, their feathers are longer compared to other birds and feather growths continues leading to an inability to fly, obstructed vision and premature death due to severe malnutrition (Oser and Berens von Rautenfeld 1977). The animals are unable to make the characteristics sounds of budgerigars (Perry et al. 1991).