“Bird Flu” 

We have recently had a lot of calls from owners of pet parrots who have either read or seen various scaremongering reports about Avian Flu in relationship to pet birds.

I decided to do some serious research into the reports, and sent what I found to the
well known Avian  Specialist Mr. Alan Jones for his advice and comments on the writings.

I was greatful to receive the following statement from him, and being allowed to print
 it for you all to read…..

“Most of the media attention on avian flu is unnecessarily alarmist. Avian Flu virus is
Naturally present in over 30% of wild ducks and geese, and has been for years, yet cases in parrots are so rarely reported they make the pages of scientific journals  if they
 do. The only difference this time is that the virus has mutated and can potentially affect humans, thus causing more of a scare.Yes, if you live near lakes  where wildfowl
overwinter, or poultry farms, then the risk is increased, but there is still no more reason why parrots should get the disease than ever there was before. Certainly
INDOOR birds should be perfectly safe, and DEFRA will NOT be marching in  and
  Putting  peoples pet birds to sleep”.

  I had asked him if there was a test in the UK to prove the bird was clear, and how much it would cost. He replied….
 
“ Testing is available,but can only be performed by Government laboratories such as
 CLV at Weybridge. Thus samples would have to go via a vet, and would cost approx
 £40 per bird.
 Even if birds are tested and a certificate issued showing the bird was clear, this would only confirm the status at time of testing as with Chalamydiosis,PBFD , etc.So if it came to it DEFRA would probably insist on a re-test anyway.Also, as the virus mutates so
Easily, the current test may not pick up on mutated forms.”

Alan ended his comments by saying he had spoken at the HBF-UK seminar recently
Along with Mike Stanford,John Chitty,Brian Stockdale and Jan Hooimeier, all well
 Recorded experts, and it was their unanimous opinion that there will NOT be a threat
 To the captive parrot population.

PLEASE DO NOTE that this is for the pet parrot owners mainly, I cannot comment on

Breeding birds kept totally in outside flights etc. I suggest  you take individual advice from your vet, and look into applying  good bio-security on your property