“Quarantine procedures.”  Even the sound of the phrase brings a shiver through my spine.  As the stewards of companion parrots though, “quarantine procedures” are a daily part of our lives.  We are constantly on guard to protect not only our flock, but ourselves from a variety of infectious diseases. 

“Bird-keepers (pet bird owners and poultry producers) should be aware that some avian diseases can be transmitted to humans. It is important to note, however, that such diseases are uncommon enough that they should not discourage bird-keeping. For most people avian diseases do not pose a serious threat, but bird-keepers should be aware of them and seek medical assistance if necessary.

Zoonoses refer to infectious animal diseases that are communicable to humans. The infectious agents can be protozoal, fungal, bacterial, chlamydial or viral. Individual susceptibility and the seriousness of these various microbial infections varies with age, health status, immune status (immunodeficient or immunosuppressed), and whether early therapeutic intervention is sought. The ability of a microorganism to make a person sick varies with the virulence of the organism, the dose to which the person is exposed, as well as route of infection.

Chlamydiosis, salmonellosis, arizonosis, and colibacillosis are the most common of these infections. Chlamydiosis, salmonellosis, eastern equine encephalitis and avian tuberculosis may be serious and even life- threatening.” (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PS019, 8 August 2006)

General practice quarantine procedures for the small flock, non-breeder can be as simple as:
• Wash hands prior to and immediately following contact with your birds
• Disinfecting cages and enclosures a minimum of weekly for a 1:3 bleach to water solution
• If visiting friends who have birds, be sure to remove your clothing worn while there and put on fresh clothes BEFORE making contact with your flock
• Keeping newly acquired flock members out of contact with your flock for a minimum of 45 days, in an area where there is a separate air circulation system
• Feeding and making contact with the newly acquired flock member AFTER you have taken care of your flock; then removing your clothing and putting on fresh clothes following contact with the new bird(s)
• Having a “well bird” exam a minimum of annually for all of your flock members

Following these quarantine procedures will minimize your flock’s and your exposure to infectious diseases. 

“Bird-keepers should be aware that they can contract certain illnesses from their birds. The frequency of disease transmission from birds to humans is low, but the very young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems should be cautious.

Many of these diseases are transmitted by ingestion of food contaminated by fecal matter. Prevention of most of these diseases, therefore, simply involves proper hygiene and sanitation. Wearing a face mask to avoid inhaling bird dust is also recommended.

If you have persistent flu-like symptoms when no one else you know is affected, see a doctor and mention that you raise birds. Such symptoms may be indicative of a disease spread from birds to humans” (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/PS019, 8 August 2006).

This month’s meeting will focus on quarantine procedures and what you can do, now, to maintain your flock’s well-being.  I look forward to seeing you at our membership meeting on Tuesday, September 5th.