Pet Forum / Birds / Parrots / October 2005

I am in the UK but have the same concerns although in Romania, they are
*only* killing the likes of Chickens, Ducks. I have seen the use of the word
"domestic" but by that I think they just mean the types I mentioned above. I
can't see any circumstance where pet birds kept indoors would be in any
danger......I hope.

Don't know about anyone else, I can't bring myself to watch the TV news just
now, the sight of all those poor birds being slaughtered is affecting me
badly.

Norman

Dont stay too awfull current with the news but I think I remember something
about that over a year ago, and if im remembering correctly, it was mainly
poultry and wild ducks(geese),( gonna google it right now) Im hoping we dont
have to worry about it too much,.. gonna have to put a stop to my birds
hanging out at the local watering hole to get the latest birdy news(haha).
Lots of info here http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/

Im not to worried about it.

TRC

I am in the country... no one comes near my birds nor walk freely on the
farm cept for family who lives here.  Quarantine into their own special room
keeping all visitors out.
A tub of water and bleach solution at your door outside to dip shoes into
before intering should help as well as having a wash tub or sink to wash
hands before intering.  If you can use a lab coat from door to bathroom,
this is a good idea then change and remove the dirty laundry including the
lab coat which is now contaminated if you were contaminated to begin with.
Don't rely on just hand soap or germ killer soap.....  add a few drops of
bleach into your water to wash your hands in.  Carry a hand sanitizer with
you in your purse and in your car.  If you enter someplace you touched a
door or something someone else has....  before entering your car.... clean
your hands with your sanitizer.  Remember everything you touch, who else
touched it.  Shoes are really bad news.  They pick up germs of all kinds and
most simply track it into the house or nursery.  BAD

I have many parrots of many sizes and species.  I would be devestated to put
them down or lose anyone of them.  I have way to much money involved and way
to much love for them.  I would become very strict first and set my rules
and hope it was good enough.

Never allow anything to stand with water in it ouside.  Turn it all upside
down so water drains out or doesn't get into it.

I was curious as to what other cockatiel owners were thinking of this Avian
Influenza and the prospects of it reaching the homeland. I heard news
reports
saying that the course of action was to kill all birds - even
"domesticated."
I've also heard, on the other hand, that a vaccine would be an option for
pet
birds.

I don't know about anyone here, but I would not stomach having to put my
'tiel to sleep. All other concerns aside (i.e.: "your cockatiel should be
the
least of your worries"), what do other people think of when they hear of the
possible consequences. I would personally treat it as a bird
holocaust/quarantine. I would keep him in the quietest room and away from
any
open windows if it came down to it!

I live in New York, so we're probably getting it before anyone else does for
various reasons, and was looking to get a feel among the bird owners out
there.

Thanks to all for the replies. I feel somewhat relieved by your comments.