Pet Forum / Birds / Parrots / August 2003

Cockatiels, and other pet birds can get west nile virus. The following
report has some statistics on West Nile Virus in dead birds in New Yoork in
2000.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/eid/vol7no4/bernard.htm

This study mentions that 5 dead cockatiels were tested for west nile, and 3
of the five were positive. It is hard to tell from this type of data if the
cockatiels actually died from the virus, but is certainly suggests they are
susceptible.

Transmission is typically via the bite of infected mosquitoes. Direct
transmission in nature is very rare. It can happen in artificial situations
where fluids are transfered from an infected host to a non-infected host
(such as through blood transfusion).

Tim Lysyk
timlysyk at telus dot net

I doubt it can be transferred by touch...the bird has to be bitten by the
mosquito that's carrying the virus.

West Nile Virus Infection in Poultry, Pet Birds, and Pet Animals

Domestic poultry do not seem to be seriously affected by West Nile Virus,
and whether or not pet birds exposed to it will develop clinical symptoms is
unclear. Infections without clinical signs are possible. As a precaution,
pet birds should be protected from mosquitoes, especially when outdoors. To
date, there is no evidence that pets exposed to dead birds have acquired
West Nile Virus infection although there is serological evidence that a
small number of dogs and cats have been exposed to the virus. Therefore, it
is advisable to protect your pets from biting mosquitoes

http://oph.dhh.state.la.us/infectiousdisease/westnileprog/page581e.html?page=442

Seems like a lot of conflicting info out there, but I won't risk it with my
birds.  Too bad too, they used to love being outside screaming at all the
wild birds.

Laurie