Photos from Wikimedia Commons
Credit: Christine Matthews
Description
Angel wing syndrome is a developmental condition that primarily affects waterfowl. Birds that have angel wing syndrome have a carpal joint (or wrist joint) that develops at an outward angle from the bird’s body. This causes the wing to twist outward and grow at an awkward angle. Often, the feathers that develop off of this deformed joint grow outward, almost perpendicular to the bird’s body, giving the bird an “angelic” appearance. Angel wing syndrome is also called airplane wing, twisted wing, or slipped wing.
Transmission
Angel wing is caused by a nutritional deficiency and does not spread from affected animals to unaffected animals. The only way that birds acquire it is from a diet that lacks certain vitamins and nutrients critical to their development. Most cases of angel wing are caused by a diet of bread that is given to the birds by well-intentioned humans.
Clinical Signs
Birds that have angel wing syndrome have a carpal joint that grows outward at a wrong angle. This awkward joint can cause the feathers on the wing to grow outward perpendicular to the bird’s body. This often gives the wings a feathery, or “angelic” appearance.
Wildlife Management Implications
Waterfowl with angel wing syndrome are unable to fly due to the mis-growth in their wing. These birds are less capable of avoiding predators and scavenging for food, and they cannot migrate. Almost every bird that develops angel wing syndrome will die from the disorder.
Human Health Significance
Angel wing syndrome poses no threat to human health.