The last 11 blue macaws living in the wild in Brazil have been diagnosed with circovirus, an incurable viral and potentially lethal disease.
The outbreak represents a critical blow to the conservation of this emblematic species, globally recognized as the protagonist of the movie “Rio”.
Brazilian authorities confirmed that all wild specimens of the Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) tested positive for the disease.
The prognosis was confirmed after the birds were recaptured this November in the state of Bahia, in the northeast of the country.
A devastating disease with no cure
The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) reported that circovirus affects the beak and feathers of the birds.
“The disease has no cure and in most cases kills the bird,” warned the agency.
Although the virus poses no risk to humans, it is especially devastating for psittacines.
Of the approximately 20 macaws released since 2020, only 11 remain alive in the wild.
In addition to the wild specimens, another 21 macaws in captivity at a breeding center in Bahia also tested positive for the virus.
The rest of the world population, estimated at about 90 individuals, is mostly in captivity.
Biosecurity issues at the breeding center
The ICMBio imposed a fine of R$ 1.8 million (USD 336,000) on the BlueSky breeding center for failing to comply with biosecurity measures. Inspectors found:
- Extremely dirty feeders filled with feces
- Employees handling birds without proper protective equipment
- Enclosures without daily cleaning
Cláudia Sacramento, an environmental analyst cited by Folha de S.Paulo, described the situation as “very serious“. Authorities continue to investigate the origin of the viral outbreak.
The international conflict over the unauthorized sale of blue macaws
The Brazilian government ended its collaboration with the German Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP) in 2024.
This organization controls 75% of the registered Spix’s macaws in the world.
The break occurred after the ACTP sold 26 birds to a private zoo in India without authorization.
The incident raised concerns about the legal loopholes that allow the commercialization of captive-bred specimens.
South African biologist Cromwell Purchase, responsible for the BlueSky breeding center, left Brazil after the scandal.
According to Folha de S.Paulo, he claimed that the authorities were willing to “sacrifice the ararinhas” to close the project.
Uncertain prospects for the blue macaw
The reintroduction program began in 2020 with birds brought from Germany, seeking to reverse the extinction in the wild of the Spix’s macaw.
The species is endemic to the Brazilian caatinga and disappeared from its habitat due to environmental degradation and demand from private collectors.
BlueSky reported that it has reinforced sanitary measures, isolated healthy birds, and built barriers to prevent contact between wild and captive specimens.
Despite the threat, the center’s officials assured that the affected macaws maintain their vitality and ability to fly.
They continue to feed adequately, offering a margin of hope amid the health crisis.
