Last Wild Spix’s Macaws Test Positive for Deadly Virus, and Breeding Center Faces Million-Real Fine

The last Spix’s macaws that were still living in the wild in Brazil have received devastating news: all of them tested positive for circovirus, a lethal disease that affects several parrot species. The information was released by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) after analyzing 11 birds recaptured earlier in November.

The virus, originally found in Australia, primarily affects species such as macaws, parakeets, and parrots, causing serious feather abnormalities and beak deformities. There is no cure, and the disease is usually fatal. Despite its severity, it does not infect humans or livestock birds.

These Spix’s macaws are part of the Reintroduction Program, which aims to restore the species that once disappeared from the wild. The birds were repatriated from Europe and kept at a conservation breeding facility in Curaçá, Bahia, before being released back into their natural habitat in 2022.

Investigation Into the Origin of the Virus

With the confirmation of all cases, specialized teams are now working to determine how the virus reached the group. One of the immediate measures will be to separate infected birds from healthy ones and reinforce biosafety routines — a crucial step to prevent further contamination and protect other psittacine species in the area.

Biosafety Violations Lead to R$ 1.8 Million Fine

Back in May, when the first suspected case emerged, ICMBio activated an emergency response protocol to contain the spread of circovirus. Since then, several inspections have been carried out in partnership with Inema and the Federal Police at the breeding center responsible for caring for the birds.

The inspections concluded that the institution — previously known as Blue Sky — failed to follow required biosafety standards. Among the issues identified were:

• poor hygiene in enclosures, including feeders with accumulated dried feces;
• lack of proper disinfection routines;
• staff handling animals without protective equipment, wearing inappropriate clothing and footwear.

Due to these repeated violations, ICMBio issued a notification and later applied an administrative fine totaling approximately R$ 1.8 million against the breeding center and its director.

In addition, a separate operation by Inema imposed another fine of around R$ 300,000. The facility partners with the German organization ACTP, which holds most of the world’s registered Spix’s macaws.

A Wake-Up Call for Conservation

The situation brings renewed attention to the challenges of conserving critically endangered species like the Spix’s macaw — an icon of Brazil’s biodiversity.
With the virus now confirmed in the last individuals that had been returned to the wild, specialists emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and strict responsibility in captive breeding programs.

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