This Buzzard arrived at our Raptor Hospital suffering from emaciation and an oral bacterial infection known as frounce. This is a yeast infection (also known as canker) and whilst healthy birds appear able to fight it off naturally, it can prove fatal if the bird’s health is compromised in any way. It causes swelling in the tongue and throat, which makes it uncomfortable to eat. This then leads to dehydration, as birds of prey get most of the moisture they need from their food.
Within a few hours of receiving critical care, the Buzzard was much brighter.
When the Buzzard arrived, we gave it a rehydration solution but knew it would be touch and go as to whether it would survive. It was put into one of our hospital boxes to recover and after just a couple of hours was already showing improvements. Within 24 hours it had improved enough that we could start treating the infection, and it was moved to out indoor aviary to give it a bit more space.
We hope that the infection will subside with treatment and that this Buzzard will be able to be released in a few weeks time.
Moving around in the indoor aviary, showing continued progress.