The 11 Spix’s Macaws that had been released into the wild in June 2025, on Bahia, were recaptured in November following a court decision. Exames carried out by ICMBio confirmed that all birds are infected with the avian circovirus, a disease with no known cure. The birds were part of the reintroduction program for the species, declared extinct in the wild since 2020.
The contamination occurred while the macaws were in the company’s breeding facility Blue Sky, in Curaçá (BA). The site had serious biosecurity flaws, according to a report from the environmental agency.
Recapture and diagnosis
ICMBio removed the birds from the wild on November 15, 2025. Laboratory tests, completed days later, detected the virus in 100% of the individuals.
Beak and feather disease, caused by circovirus, compromises the growth of feathers and beaks. The mortality rate is high, especially in parrots.
The macaws remain isolated in ICMBio facilities in Curaçá. Não effective treatment is available.
Irregularities in the breeding site
Inspection identified ponds with accumulation of feces and stagnant water. Comedouros Inadequate and lack of personal protective equipment facilitated transmission.
The virus is not endemic in the northeast region of Brasil. The source of the infection is still under investigation.
- Nurseries without regular cleaning
- Lack of disinfection between batches
- Direct contact between employees and unprotected birds
- Food exposed to contamination
Fine applied to the company
Blue Sky Aviários received a fine of R$1.8 million for non-compliance with health standards. The value refers to serious wildlife management infractions.
The company kept the macaws before the experimental release in June. Parte of the birds had been repatriated from Alemanha in 2022.
Current situation of birds
The 11 infected hyacinth macaws can no longer be reintroduced into the wild. The risk of spread to other parrot species is considered high.
The species’ conservation program continues with around 260 individuals in captivity at Brasil. Novos biosecurity protocols were implemented at official breeding sites.
Circovirus does not pose a risk to human health. Transmission occurs mainly via the fecal-oral route or through contaminated feathers.
Next steps for ICMBio
The federal agency reviews all quarantine procedures for future releases. Testes serological tests are now mandatory at three different times before release.
The experience serves as a warning for other bird reintroduction projects in the country. Reforço in sanitary barriers became an absolute priority.
Captive population
There are currently 264 Spix’s Macaws alive in controlled facilities. Desse total, 209 are in Brasil and 55 in Alemanha.
Captive reproduction showed growth of 15% in 2025. Novos puppies born this year undergo rigorous screening against the circovirus.
ICMBio maintains international technical cooperation to improve the genetic management of the species.