Tip Of the Month - May 2009

The Crystal Parrot - Spring has certainly sprung here in the Pioneer Valley; the days have been warm, the rains are watering our gardens, and the wild birds greet the days with their songs. Spring is also the time for the insects to emerge and cause trouble and spread disease.

With the warm days and beautiful sunshine, many bird owners are tempted to take their companion birds outside to enjoy the fresh air. Not only is there danger of your companion bird getting frightened and flying away never to be seen again. But there is a very real danger of your bird getting exposed to West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is not a bacteria, it is a virus that is transmitted through blood from mosquito bites. Birds of all species are extremely vulnerable to West Nile Virus. The virus is passed to the bird from a mosquito carrying the virus. Inside the bird, the virus multiples uncontrollably eventually killing the bird. If a mosquito bites the infected bird, the cycle begins again. According to the CDC, to date over 320 different species of birds have been reported to have died from West Nile Virus. Deaths have occurred not only in wild birds like crows and songbirds, but many species of companion birds, from buggies to macaws, have also died. There is no cure for West Nile Virus. In mammals there are varying severities of the illness, but for birds it is almost always fatal.

At the Crystal Parrot, we know that taking your pet outside is thrilling for you and them. However, please do not take the risk of loosing your companion bird to West Nile Virus. Although there are vaccines for some animals, there is no vaccine approved for birds, and there is no cure.

To protect your bird we highly recommend limiting your bird’s exposure to the outdoors unless they are in a carrier that will prevent insects from coming in contact with your bird. Attempt to limit any outdoor activities in the early morning and evening, when mosquitoes are more common. If you allow your birds in the windows, be sure that there is a well made screen between your bird and the outside. If you have any standing water on your property, try to keep the water moving to limit mosquitoes laying eggs. Change outside bird baths at least weekly.