Is it possible to get bird flu from pet birds?

Question

If I got a pet bird from the pet store, it wouldn't have bird flu would it?

Answer 1

You could only get bird flu from a pet bird if it had been infected from a wild bird, poultry, or another pet bird that was infected.

It would die soon after infection, so if you’ve had the bird for a while, and it has been in your home away from all other birds, it should be ok.

H5N1 avian virus is highly pathogenic to people as well as birds. In the past six months, 76% of the people infected with the virus died.

The reason that there have been relatively few human infections at this point is that the virus has not yet finished mutating to become easily passed from person to person.

Some of the people who have been infected to this point have had close contact with birds, but that is not true for everyone. Some have not had contact with any birds at all. There has been some human-to-human transmission, but it does not appear to be wide spread human-to-human transmission at this time. (It is impossible to know what is happening in China and North Korea.)

There are people who die from flu every year, but that is usually the premature babies, elderly people or people with underlying illness. H5N1 has been killing healthy children, teens and young adults. It is definitely a virus to be respected.

We can prepare our families by making sure we have enough nonperishable food, water, baby food, pet food, medicine, etc in our homes to last during a time that we may be forced to stay in our homes in order to avoid infection.

Answer 2

We have not had any of the high pathogenic bird flu in the US. That (AI) should not be the reason you don't want to take your kids over to this friend's house. Chickens do have lots of dander, so if your kids are asthmatic than, maybe not so much. But as with any pets, not just chickens, there is a possibility that they can pick up another bug/germ that they have not come in contact before, which can cause a bit of the runs if your kids do not wash their hands before eating something. I worked as a poultry extensionist, and in my position, I dealt ALOT with questions concerning AI. I will state again that we have not had any HPAI (high pathogenic avian influenza) in the US. The current death count for AI is only at 191, and this is from started from the mid 90's. If AI was so easy to catch, shouldn't China be pretty much non-existent as far as people go? (No offense meant to China). I am just saying your fears about AI are unfounded here, but worry about them getting the runs or being quite allergic to feather dander.

Answer 3

I'll put it this way : it's highly unlikely your bird has it to begins with. One symptom of the virus in most birds is death, it usually doesn't take to long for the bird to die either. Then realize that all the media going nuts about this saying it is the worst thing ever because it is highly pathogenic are only emphasizing on highly pathogenic, they fail to mention that that refers to chickens, yes if you are a chicken be afraid. There have only been several hundred human fatalities in the few years it's been known, compare that to the 40 000 people or so which die in the United-States every year from the run of the mill flu. Those who did get the flu basically lived in chicken coops, close contact for prolonged periods with lots of infected birds/fecal matter etc. Check out this link if you need further convincing http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/avian_flu/index.html#8

Answer 4

YES, kill them all.

OK, NO it is unlikely that a pet bird has avian flu. It would have to get it, from contact with wild migratory birds.

Your pet hasn't been hanging out in those wild parrot bars has it?

Then NO, NO, NO it won't have the avian flu. But if it gets a chest cold you might want to feed it lots of fluids and call a vet.

Answer 5

No. Only wild birds.{ Only if your bird has come into contact with a wild bird, could it happen.} Bird Flu
(Avian Flu, Avian Influenza)

Key Facts About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus

January 18, 2006

This fact sheet provides general information about bird flu and information about one type of bird flu, called avian influenza A (H5N1) that is infecting birds in Asia and has infected some humans.

What is avian influenza (bird flu)?

Bird flu is an infection caused by avian (bird) influenza (flu) viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, bird flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Infection with avian influenza viruses in domestic poultry causes two main forms of disease that are distinguished by low and high extremes of virulence. The �low pathogenic� form may go undetected and usually causes only mild symptoms (such as ruffled feathers and a drop in egg production). However, the �highly pathogenic� form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100%, often within 48 hours.

How does avian influenza spread among birds?

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with contaminated excretions or with surfaces that are contaminated with excretions or secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian influenza virus through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus.

Answer 6

Very highly unlikely. You should have the bird checked by an avian vet, it might have a respitory infection if you are hearing lots of sneezing or the bird is constantly fluffed and listless. http://aav.org/vet-lookup/

Answer 7

In theory it is possible, but in practise it won't happen ;)

I keep birds outside all day in a country with H5N1 and I'm not worried about them or me catching it.

Answer 8

Only if it has been in contact with a wild bird with the illness. Best check with whoever your buying it from and if your sstill not sure have it checked by the vet.

Answer 9

No you can get it from human tohuman i think but i'm not sure that's the h5n1 virus anyway :) lol

Answer 10

yes, and hopefully no