Bird Flu Update

Bird Flu identified - Parrot is main carrier

Despite attempts made by owners to quarantine the original infected area, irresponsible breeders and owners have allowed birds to interbreed, with the unfortunate result that the sickness has spread to another site.

The main carrier is a breed of parrot which takes pleasure in attacking healthy specimens and thus infecting it with this poisonous disease.

It is very sad to see once healthy birds turn into sickened and polluted specimens as there seems to be little cure once caught. There is concern that the virus will mutate into different forms of sickness as there is little known cure apart from isolation, which is understandably difficult in this global age.

Once infected, the birds display similar symptoms, but the main one is to repeat meaningless phrases that they have learnt over and over. Budgerigars and parrots seem to be the worst affected. One of the parrots that has recently arrived onto the new site was believed to be an established resident from the quarantined area. Another viral symptom these birds display is to attack older birds that they come into contact with, usually the female. It is unclear as to why they should single out the female of the species but it appears to be when they have themselves mated with the male who has then flown the nest.

It is believed that the authorities are aware that the two breeding sites have been flouting guidelines and that they are being monitored, and appropriate action will be taken. If the outbreak cannot be contained, there are rumours that both sites may have to close. This is very sad as the recently infected site originally had some very intelligent birds and it still has some members that have remained virus-free, but it remains to be seen whether the sickness can be contained.

This post is not to alarm people but to inform. Please be aware by visiting infected areas that you run a risk of cross contamination. Thank you for your attention

(unknown reputable source)

Posted: 4:21 a.m. EST November 14, 2005 by Anne Meesriyong