Rising popularity of pet birds drives growth in Bengaluru's avian veterinary industry

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: The avian veterinary industry in Bengaluru is experiencing growth, mirroring the rising popularity of pet birds.

Bird owners are increasingly recognising the importance of specialised veterinary care for their feathered companions.

However, compared to the availability of veterinarians for cats and dogs, locating an avian vet in Bengaluru remains a challenge.

Avian veterinary care remains a niche field with only a handful of specialised professionals worldwide. In Bengaluru, a bustling city known for its IT hubs and gardens, the scarcity of avian veterinarians is particularly pronounced.

While general veterinary clinics abound, finding a veterinarian specifically trained in avian medicine can be elusive.

Many vets offer routine bird checkups, but for specialised treatment, consulting an avian specialist is crucial.

Dr. Abhishek Gupta a leading avian veterinarian in Bengaluru and founder of Liya's animal and bird clinic sheds light on the unique challenges of avian medicine.

He emphasises that bird care differs significantly from that of other domestic animals. Despite a comparable number of people opting for birds as pets compared to dogs or cats, avian care remains intricate due to the diverse species and specific physiological differences among birds.

Birds feature unique respiratory, digestive, and skeletal systems that differ markedly from mammals. This necessitates an in-depth understanding of avian anatomy and physiology for effective diagnosis and treatment.

Birds are highly sensitive to stress and can adeptly conceal signs of illness. Their fragility demands a gentle and careful approach during examinations and procedures.

"Veterinary colleges in India generally lack specialised avian courses," Dr Abhishek Gupta notes.

He added, "For those keen on avian specialisation, international training is often essential." He further shared his own experience of undertaking internships in Thai- land and Singapore to hone his skills in avian medicine. He added, “Avian vets often rely on specialised equipment for accurate diagnosis and treatment.”

Dr Abhishek Gupta said, “While many veterinarians can manage minor avian issues, treating severe ailments in birds requires expert knowledge and experience. The specialised nature of avian care underscores the need for more comprehensive training opportunities and education in this field within India.

As Bengaluru is facing one of its hottest summers yet, Dr Abhishek emphasises the importance of providing water bowls for birds.

The rising temperatures can adversely impact birds, potentially leading to a decline in their population.