I know that parrots can be trained to have a harness on so they can go on a 'walk' but what are the dangers of bird flu? Do you have to be in direct contact with a bird with the virus or is it airborne? I realise I am ignorant on this matter and probably worrying over nothing!
2007-03-12 00:35:12 · 9 answers · asked by maceymoo 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Bird flu actually refers to a whole lot of different flu viruses, just like in humans. Only ONE strain of bird flu (H5N1) can be transmitted to people, but all of them can be transmitted to birds. Some are actually quite common, but are so mild that they are just ignored as a threat.
No, it's not air born. It's transmitted through bodily fluids. Feces, saliva, or other bodily fluids can spread the bird flu. Even if you can't see it, contaminated surfaces can still contain enough virus to make a bird sick. Most strains aren't any worse than if you had the flu, but it's still best to avoid allowing your pet to contact areas which are likely frequented by other birds.
If you're worried about H5N1 (The bird flu that's been on the news), you probably shouldn't be. Check the CDC online, and you'll easily find out if H5N1 has been reported for your area.
Edit: The misconception of it being airborn is because most human infection has been from breathing feces dust from poultry houses.
2007-03-12 01:28:07 · answer #1 · answered by Theresa A 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is airborne but your parrot is far more likely to catch it from wild bird droppings so avoid letting him/her walk there or anywhere else where wild birds walk such as on walls or fences or in trees.Basically keep it on your arm or shoulder.
Other dangers when outside with a harness are strange dogs and kids who may frighten it.
The other danger are hawks-do not assume that your being there will put a hawk off attacking your bird.
Basic rule is keep your eyes open for hazards and be sure you put the harness on tightly enough to stop it slipping!
When all goes well it's fun though-especially in the summer.
2007-03-12 17:23:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is airborne if there is another parrot - or other bird - nearby that is infected and it has sneezed. It's surprising how far virus can travel via a sneeze.
I'd be more worried about your parrot stepping on grass that had virus on it.
These are the countries that have or had H5N1 infection in birds: Afghanistan, Albania, Austria, Azerbaijani, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, China, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Egypt, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Niger Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Vietnam.
The problem is an area can be infected for a period of time before officials announce it is.
2007-03-12 12:47:39 · answer #3 · answered by starlight 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As for the person above me, yes it is airborn, but only if another parrot or bird around has the flu. Otherwise, you are ok going outside, if you see anything wrong with your bird, take it to the vet and they will tell you if it has picked up anything. Just be careful around other birds. Good Luck! :)
L1zzyxKiss3z
2007-03-12 01:07:02 · answer #4 · answered by l1zzyxc0re 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
bird flu is airborn..ive got a n african grey parrot she loves it outside in the cage i spray her with a mister,and even has a harness and loves being sprayed with the hose she sits on my pushchair when i go out shes the talk of the neighbourhood,a great character.birds like these are used to all kinds of weather its in their blood,your bird be fine have fun.honey(my grey) is like one of my children,she sits and reads with me and my kids,comes on walks,park etc ..you will not give your bird flu by taking it out ..enjoy
2007-03-12 14:53:17 · answer #5 · answered by easty90210 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it is airborne but in short distances, there must be another parrot in a short distance so that your parrot get infected, avoid the others parrot-birds company.
2007-03-12 00:44:32 · answer #6 · answered by Pichurri 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now you recognize what i will assert do no longer you? BRANDY AND A LAYING ON OF palms!!!!! And for the record no such ingredient as guy flu in basic terms guy's hypochondria - yet all people knows poultry flu is genuine LOL
2016-10-01 23:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by leeks 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, as this virus is air born and hop fully your bird will be kept indoors.
2007-03-12 08:48:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
he should be okay..you wont get close enough to migratory birds to catch bird flu.
2007-03-12 04:04:45 · answer #9 · answered by grumpcookie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋