bird mart – next saturday – may 30

 The Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club and Rescue Mission seeks to promote an interest in companion birds through communication with and education of pet owners, breeders and the general public. In addition, the CBCBC&RM strives to promote the welfare of all birds by providing monetary donations for the rescue and rehabilitation of wild birds and by placing abused, abandoned, lost or displaced companion birds in foster care until permanent adoptive homes can be found.
BIRD MART – NEXT SATURDAY – MAY 30th
Can you believe it has been 7 months since Corpus has had a bird mart? My supplies
are dwindling, I need cages, the toys are nearly all destroyed, I am out of millet and
pellet and the list goes on and on. While I truly love my birds, I love a good deal even
more… And a Fantastic Deal!!! Well, that’s why I do the majority of my shopping at
the Bird Mart! It’s a bargain hunters dream come true.
The first time I went to a mart I spent nearly 50.00. I thought about buying a lot of
things, but didn’t really think I needed them right then and there, or couldn’t make a
decision. The 7 months that followed, I was out shopping nearly ever week and every
week I was kicking myself for not thinking ahead!
Now my Mart bill was closer to 500.00 a mart, plus any birds I simply must have at the
moment. However, over the course of the year, I found I had made wise and cost
effective purchases.
Canary of Macaw, Perch, Cage or Food. You just cant beat the deals!
RED HOT MART TIPS:
(1) If you received a Mart Notification in the mail, pull it out and update the
information on the card. Bring in the same card and get through the line faster!
(2) Bring self-adhesive return address labels with you. (Bring Lots of them). You
can use them on the Raffle Table, Mart Cards and that BIG Screen TV!!
AN ILLEGAL BIRD? How Can This Be?
A new bill to pass. HR669 is yet another obstacle to overcome for breeders and bird owners. Many reasons to fight this by calling you State Representative and become a voice. Many owners and breeders will have misplaced birds because of this new bill. a HR669 implies that NON Native Species Owners must make the Approval List or they will be in Illegal possession of nonnative species. So, what happens to the owner’s birds if the owner does not make the approval list? Are the birds confiscated or are they simply forced to let the birds go? My question is why is it so important to limit the freedom of nonnative species owners. Other owners may find it emotionally painful to worry about this new bill that is finding its way to be a law. Most owners have birds as an emotional companion that provides harmony and peace for the owner and the pet birds. This will be something else to have to worry about and they may feel intimidated. My mother states “I just wanted to give my time to my cockatiel (Pretty Boy) which I enjoy, thats all. Why does the government want to put restrictions on that, I’m just an old lady that loves her bird.” I would like to challenge all, who are reading this today, please take 2 minutes everyday to cause an action against this bill. If every owner, breeder, friends and family took a few minutes to make a change in this ridiculous bill. Then maybe there will be progress. Please read the following article to get more information. Thank you. H.R. 669 Nonnative Wildlife Invasion Prevention Act. Take Action!
Bans most nonnative species kept as pets! April 29, 2009 Update on HR 669 On Thursday April 23, The House Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife, chaired by Representative Bordallo of Guam, met to hear presentations on HR 669. Speakers were allowed five minutes each and also submitted formal reports for the Congressional Record. Only selected speakers were allowed to present information, including a USFWS official, a state official from Arizona, a biologist from Notre Dame, a fish farmer, and Marshall Meyers of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council who presented information for NAIA and many other organizations. Over seventy organizations are on record as responding against HR 669, representing bird, mammal, fish, and reptile interests. Over 50,000 individual emails and faxes were submitted against HR 669. NAIA supporters sent a flood of messages through our Capwiz lobbying tool ‐‐ literally thousands ‐‐ to Representatives prior to the hearing. Patti Strand, NAIA National Director, submitted a two page letter in opposition to the bill, which was presented the day of the hearing. Committee members were quite surprised at the strong interest in this bill and the responses from their constituents. Thank you for taking action and making a difference! Speakers indicated the bill needs more work. Representative Bordallo indicated that the hearing would be open for ten days to receive additional input. Since this bill was presented during the last session of Congress, and has strong support from Defenders of Wildlife, Nature Conservancy, Union of Concerned Scientists and the HSUS, it is expected that changes will be made in the bill to make it more palatable to the public. This does not mean the bill will be acceptable to those with interests in nonnative species. In one internet media blog, Michael Markarian, HSUS VP, reportedly stated the following: "First, the bill is aimed at exotic wildlife, not domestic household pets. It includes a specific exemption for cats, dogs, rabbits, goldfish, and horses. And the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is allowed to add more exempted species as it sees fit. The HSUS and HSLF are specifically requesting that hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, and ferrets be added to the exempted list." This is an indication that there will be attempts to make the bill appear non threatening to owners and breeders of nonnative species. However, while we remain hopeful, we do not expect any positive changes in this bill due to the agenda of those making the changes. We recommend that individuals continue to contact their Representatives and express their concerns about interstate transport of their animals, the ability to sell or give away their animals, and the ability to breed their animals, all of which would be prohibited under HR 669. As further changes occur, we will update this message. HR 669 bans import, export, transport, breeding, sale or barter of ALL nonnative species unless they are placed on an Approved List established by the USFWS after extensive study. This law would affect most pet owners of non native species. Most pet birds, ornamental aquarium fish, reptiles and small pet mammals are nonnative species and would be ILLEGAL under this act, unless placed on the Approved List! Any company manufacturing or selling product for these pet species would be affected by this act. This means hundreds of thousands of pet birds and animals, reptiles and fish would be affected Thousands of small businesses involved in any aspect of the pet industry, from breeding, selling and transporting animals to manufacturing and selling products for animals, such as foods, toys, and equipment. HR 669 was introduced by Del Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, the Chair of the Subcommittee of Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife of the House Natural Resources Committee with the purpose of preventing the import of nonnative species which might be harmful to humans and to the environment or a nuisance to agriculture or horticulture. Click here to read HR 669. Most of the nonnative invasive species introduced into the U.S mainland or islands were inadvertently introduced through ballast water in ships or as stowaways in cargo shipments (which is how the Brown Tree Snake entered Guam). Most nonnative species that are causing problems in the US mainland were NOT imported animals; domestic cats gone feral are likely the most common exception. At the present time, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under the Lacey Act is required to demonstrate that a nonnative species is injurious or harmful to humans or the environment before it can be prohibited. HR 669 would require that nonnative species are prohibited until the USFWS proves that the nonnative species is not a threat. Such a process would be extensive, costly, take a lot of time. It would waste taxpayer money since it would apply to many thousands of nonnative species which have historically existed as pets in the US and have not been demonstrated to be a threat to humans or the economy or the environment. HR 669 requires the USFWS to do a risk assessment on each species and then place it on an Approved or Unapproved list. Since the timeline, staff and financial resources for doing this is in short supply, the USFWS will be unable to accomplish the task for most nonnative species already in homes. All species that did not appear on the Approved list would be banned: import, export, transport, barter and breeding would not be allowed. There are no exceptions for pet owners! Most of the nonnative species kept as pets in the US have never posed a problem to humans or the environment. Yet all these species would have to be evaluated and approved or they would be ILLEGAL to possess, breed, import, export, transport, and barter or sell! While it is important to protect our environment and analyze whether or not a specific species poses a risk, this bill as presently written does not provide a realistic and achievable solution to the problem. Enhancing and enforcing present regulations under the Lacey Act would be more cost effective and save time and taxpayer dollars while protecting our environment and economy. PLEASE CONTACT THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and voice your opinion using the lobbying tool below where you can send your opinion and include talking points provided if you wish. Also use faxes and phone calls to YOUR Congressperson, and where possible, visit their local office. Personal face‐to‐face contact is very effective. If you received this email from a friend, be sure to sign up HERE to receive NAIA Trust alerts in the future about important animal legislation in your state ‐‐ and nationally. JOIN OUR 18 YEAR MOVEMENT DONATE TO NAIA TRUST TODAY! ROAD KILL
What can I eat? Each species has its own peculiararities when it comes to food, The below list were recommendations for Psittacine The below list was found on: http://www.newmanveterinary.com/psitdiet.html
Fresh Vegetables
Grains
Nuts
Red Peppers Whole Grain Bread
Walnuts Green Pepper Cooked brown rice
Brazil Nuts Cucumbers Pasta noodles: cooked or raw
Pine Nuts Tomatoes Oatmeal
Peanuts Green Peas in Pod Low salt crackers/ Graham crackers
Almonds Corn Sugarless cereals: Cheerios,Nutrigrain, Puffed Wheat,Puffed Rice, Life, Chex Hazel Nuts Corn on the cob Meat Group
Dairy
Squash/Acorn Squash Green peas Roast Beef
Cheeses Dark green cabbage Steak
Cottage Cheese
Spinach Chicken and parts including bones ...cooked Yogurt Kale Turkey ....cooked
Scrambled eggs
Carrots: raw or cooked Hot Dogs
Hard boiled eggs
Potatoes/Sweet potatoes/Yams: Tuna fish packed in water
Beef liver, cooked
Cauliflower Fruit Beets Pomegranates
Berries Beans: Kidney, Pinto, Navy
Broccoli Melons
Strawberries Turnips: cooked Figs
Cantaloupe Brussel Sprouts Raisins
Apricots Chard Oranges
Mangos Zucchini Lemons
Papaya Green beans Grapes
Bananas Apples/ Applesauce
SPAM
One the answer to a question of “What’s for Dinner?” is now the
probable location of this newsletter, your IRS refund check and an
email from a long lost love trying to rekindle your relationship.
About the only thing that makes its way through the “smart” filters
are ads selling knock-off little blue pills at great prices.
Its been about 4 months since we received an email from someone
trying to get on our Mart Notification list. No, we are not that boring,
we are apparently Public Enemy #1 in the eyes of your Spam Filter.
If you are using a program such as Outlook to get your email from another account such as AOL,
Gmail, Road Runner; what Outlook does not do is drag spam over and the SPAM emails. Only your
inbox items are moved and consolidated.
What you have to do to get the rest of your mail is visit the other email serves and educate your
SPAM box. Once you have told it a few times something is NOT SPAM, your emails will once again
be left in your inbox where outlook can get them. Hassle? Yes!!, but look at the bright side, you may
have just won a 1000000000.00 and didn’t know it! Visit those SPAM boxes today!
Birds listed for sale must be updated monthly!
Baby Sun Conures: Hand fed and well socialized, these birds will be ready for new homes in 4-5
weeks. $275.00 with a 50.00 deposit. 361-991-7885
Baby Indian Ringnecks: Hand Fed and well socialized Blues and BIG Green Lacewings. $125.00 ea
with a 50.00 Deposit. 361-991-7885
2 - female pineapple GC.$350 ea.
(Lots of Red),2 female Yellowsided GC $350 ea. (gorgeous babies), 2 - female Cinnamon GC $175 ea., 1 - male Cinnamon GC$175, 4 - Normal GC - weaned, fledged and sweet
enough for good pets.$150 ea., If DNA'd - add $25.00, All babies are closed banded, hand-fed and fully
fledged with baby clip.I am also clearing out a few proven pairs and will make deal on all together -3
pairs Normal GC $150 ea. Pair, 1 pair Cinnamon GC .$300 pair, All 4 pairs together $600, I also have one
extra female Roseifrons female who lost her mate, not proven yet - 08 baby make serious offer. Diana
M. www.critterstuffandmore.com
Our Next Bird Mart:
The Fall 2009 Bird Mart will be held on Saturday October 3rd. Before this happens we want to hear
what you have to say about the new floor plan that was implemented at the Spring Mart. Please email
us and let us know what you thought!
cbcbirdclub@aol.com
Make your opinions count!
PS23
Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans 1
Jacqueline P. Jacob, Jack M. Gaskin, Henry R. Wilson, and F. Ben Mather2
Introduction
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.
Chlamydiosis
Chlamydia psittaci , an unusual bacteria-like
organism, occurs worldwide and affects more than
100 avian species. It causes a disease called
psittacosis or parrot fever when it occurs in psittacine
birds (curve-beaked, like parrots, parakeets, etc.)and
the disease is called ornithosis when diagnosed in all
other birds or in humans.
In the U.S., chlamydiosis is a major problem
with turkeys, pigeons, and psittacines. In Europe, the
main avian species affected are ducks and geese.
Some birds (turkeys) are extremely susceptible to
chlamydiosis, while others (chickens) are more
resistant.
Chlamydiosis is primarily transmitted by
inhalation of contaminated fecal dust and is spread by
carrier birds, which act as the main reservoirs for the
disease. The organism is excreted in both the feces
and nasal secretions. Shedding is sporadic and is
usually induced by stress. A carrier state can persist
for years. The organism survives drying, which
facilitates oral spread and allows transmission on
contaminated clothing and equipment. Chlamydiosis
can be transmitted bird to bird, feces to bird, and bird
1. This document is PS23, one of a series of the Animal Science Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date August 1997. Reviewed June 2003. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Jacqueline P. Jacob, poultry extension coordinator with Dairy/Poultry Sciences, Jack M. Gaskin, associate professor with Veterinary
Medicine-Pathobiology, Henry R. Wilson, professor with Dairy/Poultry Sciences, and F. Ben Mather, poultry extension specialist with Dairy/Poultry
Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and
other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex,
sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service,
University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Larry
Arrington, Dean
Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans
to human. Human to human transmission can occur,
mainly by exposure to patient's saliva.
Chlamydiosis is an occupational hazard for
persons working with psittacines (parrots, parakeets,
etc.) and pigeons, or for people working in turkey
slaughter plants and avian diagnostic laboratories.
The incubation period for chlamydiosis is 4-15
days, although 10 days is most common. In affected
birds, diarrhea, coughing, and ocular and nasal
discharges are common signs. There may be a high
mortality rate if the disease is unrecognized or
untreated. With turkeys there is a drop in egg
production. In humans, chlamydiosis manifests itself
as a feverish respiratory disease. There is usually a
sudden onset with chills, muscle and joint pains,
headache, cough, loss of appetite, and chest pains.
Complications may result from an enlarged spleen,
inflammation of the heart muscle, and a reduced heart
rate.
Affected birds must be treated with
chlortetracycline or other similar broad-spectrum
antibiotics for up to 45 days to clear the infection.
Pigeons and turkeys may require long- term flock
therapy to eliminate carriers.
Affected humans are treated with tetracycline
for at least 21 days. Because this antibiotic may
become irreversibly bound to certain minerals, the
calcium content of food needs to be kept low during
treatment.
In Florida, chlamydiosis is a reportable zoonotic
disease for both health and livestock officials. The
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
must be notified of any birds found to be infected
with Chlamydia psittaci . If a person is suspected of
having ornithosis, the county public health office
must be notified within 48 hours.
Salmonellosis
There are approximately 200 different serotypes
of Salmonella species. Most animals are susceptible
to salmonella infection. This bacterial disease occurs
most frequently in stressed individuals. Many
infections are subclinical. Common clinical
symptoms in all species include diarrhea, vomiting,
2
and a low-grade fever. Infections can progress to
dehydration, weakness, and sometimes, especially in
the very young or very old, death. In severe cases
there can be a high fever, septicemia (blood
poisoning), headaches, and an enlarged painful
spleen. Focal infections may occur in any organ,
including heart, kidney, joints, meninges (membranes
which surround and protect the brain and spinal
cord), and the periosteum (fibrous membrane of
connective tissue which closely surrounds all bones
except at the joints).
The incubation period is 6-72 hours, although
12-36 hours is most common. Salmonella are
transmitted by ingestion of food contaminated by
fecal matter (fecal-oral route). Excretion of the
bacteria commonly varies from a few days to weeks.
In some instances (e.g., S. typhi, typhoid fever)
infected persons can shed bacteria for life. S.
enteriditis in avian fecal material is able to penetrate
eggshells, and may be present in uncooked eggs.
In most cases, treatment of salmonellosis simply
involves treatment of the symptoms with fluids and
electrolytes. Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol,
nitrofurans, or ampicillin are only indicated when the
bacteria has localized in areas of the body peripheral
to the intestinal tract.
In Florida, salmonellosis is a reportable zoonotic
disease for both health and livestock officials. The
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
must be notified of any birds found to be infected
with Salmonella species. If a person is suspected of
having salmonellosis, the county public health office
must be notified within 48 hours.
Colibacillosis
Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli
infection. E. coli is a bacteria which normally
inhabits the intestinal tract of all animals. There are a
number of different strains, many species-specific.
Not all strains are pathogenic. In poultry, E. coli
infections may cause septicemia, chronic respiratory
disease, synovitis (inflammation of the joints which
can lead to lameness), pericarditis (inflammation of
the sac around the heart), and salpingitis
(inflammation of the oviduct). Humans with
colibacillosis usually manifest diarrhea which may be
Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans
complicated by other syndromes depending on the E.
coli serotype. These complications may include
fever, dysentery, shock, and purpura (multiple small
purplish hemorrhages in the skin and mucous
membranes).
The incubation period is 12 hours to 5 days,
although 12-72 hours is most common. Transmission
is via the fecal-oral route. Colibacillosis is often
food- or water-borne.
In most cases, symptomatic treatment (fluids,
antidiarrheals) is all that is required. In more severe
infections, antibiotics such as tetracycline and
chloramphenicol may be necessary.
In Florida, colibacillosis is not a reportable
zoonotic disease.
Arizona Infections (Arizonosis)
Arizona infections are caused by the bacteria
Salmonella arizona . S. arizona occurs worldwide. It
occurs most frequently in reptiles and birds, but all
animals are probably susceptible. The young are at
greatest risk.
In most poultry species S. arizona infection
results in reduced egg production and hatchability.
Poults and chicks show weakness, anorexia, and
shivering. Outbreaks in turkeys, chickens, and
canaries can have up to 60% mortality. In humans,
diarrhea is most common. Many infections are
subclinical. Septicemia can occur in
immunocompromised individuals.
The incubation period is 6-72 hours, although
12-36 hours is most common. Transmission is by the
fecal-oral route. There is some transmission through
eggs. Infected birds can become long-term intestinal
carriers. Numerous antibiotics reduce case fatality,
but do not clear intestines of the carrier state. S.
arizona is somewhat less hardy than most salmonella
but can survive for months in soil, feed and water.
Arizona infection is not a reportable zoonotic
disease in Florida.
3
Eastern Equine Encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is caused by a
RNA virus in the genus Alphavirus , family
Togaviridae. Outbreaks can occur in commercially
raised pheasants, chickens, bobwhite quail, ducks,
turkeys, and emus. Abdominal distress and dysentery
are the most obvious signs.
EEE is mosquito-borne. The virus circulates in a
mosquito-bird cycle in which passerine birds (i.e.,
song birds such as swallows, starlings, jays, and
finches) are the most common reservoir. The
mosquitoes become infected and feed on birds,
horses, and humans, further spreading the infection.
In pheasants, initial infection is mosquito-borne, but
additional dissemination occurs by pecking and
cannibalism.
Most epidemics occur between late August and
the first frost. Cases may occur year-round in areas
like Florida which have a prolonged mosquito season.
EEE usually affects persons under 15 or over 50
years of age. In adults there is a sudden onset of high
fever, headache, vomiting, and lethargy, progressing
rapidly to neck stiffness, convulsions, spasticity,
delirium, tremors, stupor and coma. In children, EEE
is typically manifested by fever, headaches and
vomiting for 1-2 days. After an apparent recovery,
encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is
characterized by quick onset and great severity
follows. Retardation or other permanent neurologic
consequences are common in survivors.
EEE is not a reportable zoonotic disease in
Florida.
Avian Tuberculosis
Avian tuberculosis is caused by the bacteria
Mycobacterium avium which is closely related to the
human and bovine tuberculosis bacteria. In birds, M.
avium causes a chronic debilitating disease with
tubercular nodules. In humans, M. avium infections
can cause local wound infections with swelling of
regional lymph nodes. The infection is most severe in
immunocompromised individuals. M. avium is
spread by ingestion of food or water contaminated by
feces from shedder birds. Tuberculous poultry flocks
should be depopulated.
Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans
While most Mycobacterium infections are
treatable with antibiotics, M. avium infection is the
exception. M. avium is highly resistant to antibiotics.
Surgical excision and lymph node removal are often
necessary to eliminate infection.
In Florida, avian tuberculosis is a reportable
zoonotic disease for both health and livestock
officials. The Department of Agriculture and
Consumer Services must be notified of any birds
found to be infected with Mycobacterium avium . If a
person is suspected of having tuberculosis, the county
public health office must be notified within 48 hours.
Histoplasmosis
Certain fungi prefer to grow in soils enriched
with avian manures. Histoplasma capsulatum is one
of these. The fungus is also associated with
construction sites and caves. Birds are not susceptible
to infection, but histoplasmosis can affect humans,
dogs, cats, cattle, sheep, horses, and many wild
mammals.
The incubation period is 7-14 days. Most cases
in humans are asymptomatic. Disease may be
manifested in three forms: acute pulmonary (most
common), chronic cavitary pulmonary, and
disseminated. The acute pulmonary form is
influenza-like and lasts up to several weeks. It is
characterized by chills, chest pain, nonproductive
cough, fever, and malaise. The chronic form occurs
in people over 40 and resembles tuberculosis. It is
characterized by a productive cough, pus-like sputum
(material expelled from the respiratory passages),
weight loss, and shortness of breath. The
disseminated form occurs in the very young or the
elderly. Lesions include enlarged spleen and liver, and
mucosal ulceration. The disseminated form of
histoplasmosis can be fatal if not treated.
Amphotericin B has been used to treat
histoplasmosis.
4
Spraying the soil with a formaldehyde solution has
been used to kill the fungi.
Although this disease is avian-associated, it is
not a zoonotic disease, because the reservoir is soil
and not the birds. This is, however, of little
consequence to the unfortunates who become
infected.
In Florida, histoplasmosis is a reportable
disease. If a person is suspected of having
histoplasmosis, the county public health office must
be notified within 48 hours.
Cryptococcosis
Another fungus that prefers to grow in soils
enriched with avian manures is Cryptococcus
neoformans. The incubation period is probably
weeks. Infections are seen in many mammals, but
occur most frequently in humans, horses, dogs, and
cats. Infections are rare in birds.
Transmission of cryptococcosis is usually by
inhalation of this yeast-like fungus, although it can
occasionally occur by ingestion. Humans can pick up
cryptococcosis from exposure to old pigeon nests or
droppings. In humans, cryptococcosis is manifested
as meningitis or meningoencephalitis, and it is
usually preceded by pulmonary infection with cough,
blood-tinged sputum, fever, and malaise. The course
of the disease is usually chronic. There is usually
fever, cough, chest pain, and spitting of blood from
the respiratory tract, followed by headache, stiff neck
and visual disturbances.
As with histoplasmosis, this disease is
avian-associated, but not a zoonotic disease because
the reservoir is soil and not the birds.
In Florida, cryptococcosis is not a reportable
disease.
Cryptosporidiosis
Transmission occurs by inhalation of spores
produced by growth of the mold. Histoplasmosis is
not a communicable disease. The reservoir is the soil,
especially when enriched with droppings from birds
or bats. Wet the area and wear a face mask or
respirator when working in suspect surroundings.
Cryptosporidiosis is caused by protozoa of the
genus Cryptosporidium . There are three known
species, C. baileyi , C. meleagridis and an unnamed
species in quail. Cryptosporidiosis normally causes
respiratory problems in chickens and turkeys. It can
also cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea. In humans, it
Avian Diseases Transmissible to Humans
causes abdominal pain, nausea, and watery diarrhea
lasting 3-4 days. In immunocompromised people, it
can cause severe, persistent diarrhea with associated
malabsorption of nutrients and weight loss.
The incubation period is 3-7 days, and it is
spread via the fecal-oral route by ingestion of
infective oocysts.
In Florida, cryptosporidiosis is a reportable
disease. If a person is suspected of having
cryptosporidiosis, the county public health office
must be notified within 48 hours.
Allergic Alveolitis
Allergic alveolitis, also known as pigeon
breeder's lung, budgerigar dander pneumoconiosis,
and a variety of other complex names, is one of the
most significant avian zoonotic diseases. It may
occur as an acute, subacute, or chronic problem.
Clinical signs are caused by reduced lung capacity
due to a hypersensitivity reaction to feathers, dander,
or fecal dust. Inflammation of the pulmonary air
exchange units (alveoli) is the inciting lesion.
The acute form of the disease is usually
precipitated by an overwhelming exposure in a
previously sensitized individual, such as that which
might occur in cleaning out a pigeon loft. Symptoms
occur within a short time, and include cough, difficult
respiration, fever, and chills. If exposure ceases at
this point, the symptoms resolve and no treatment is
necessary. Chronic, low-grade exposure is more
serious, and symptoms may be mistakenly attributed
to a stubborn cold or flu. Affected individuals have a
chronic nonproductive cough, exercise intolerance,
and weight loss. Permanent lung lesions may
develop, including pulmonary fibrosis that reduces
gaseous exchange and lung capacity.
Chronic allergic alveolitis can develop in as little
as 2 years, but usually takes 10-20 years. Patients
diagnosed with the chronic form of the disease may
have no choice except to eliminate all exposure to
birds. Exposure to even minute quantities of
feathers, dander, or feces may precipitate a recurrence
of severe respiratory distress. The severity of the
disease can be reduced by wearing face masks while
cleaning cages, cleaning cages daily, bathing pet birds
frequently, and installing air purification systems.
5
Conclusions
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.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Bird Mart
TX 76107
October 31st Halloween Will Rogers Exhibit Hall
3300 Burnett Tandy Dr Fort Worth
Join us to celebrate Halloween and our final Bird Mart!!!!!!!
As a vendor if you want, bring candy. We are encouraging any children who
want to trick or treat our vendors to come in costume.
This will be our final Bird Mart – so come help us celebrate twenty-one fantastic years!!
For information: Ann or Mike Rankin 817-478-8320
www.thebirdmart.com a.e.rankin@sbcglobal.net
Giant raffle by the Fort Worth Bird Club.
Coastal Bend Companion
Bird Club & Rescue Mission
Membership Application
Dues are due in January each Year and new applications are pm-rated monthly The Club
meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00pm at:
Galilean Lutheran Church
3321 Cimarron Rd.
Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Membership Dues Per Year:
Single Member (1 adult vote)
$20.00
Family Member (2 adult votes, same household)
$35.00
Commercial Member (1 adult vote, ¼ page ad for 13 months in newsletter)$50.00
New Member ˆ
Date______________
Type of Membership:
Renewal ˆ
Amount Paid: $__________
Sponsored By: _________________________
Single: ˆ
Family: ˆ
Commercial: ˆ
Name: _______________________________________ Birthday : _____________________
Address______________________________________________________________
City______________________________ State _______Zip ____________________
Phone _____ _____ _________________
Email ________________________________________________________________
Birds you breed _______________________________________________________
Pet Birds _____________________________________________________________
Specialties __________________________________________________________________
What do you not want published on Club roster: Address ˆ Phone ˆ _E-mail ˆ
What subject would you like to know more about?
Bird Behavior ˆ Bird Taming ˆ General Care ˆ Bird Safety ˆ
Bird Training ˆ Human/Bird Bonding ˆ Medical/Health ˆ
Bird Grooming ˆ How-To’s ˆ Aviary Design: ˆ Other: ˆ
Bird Breeding ˆ Breeder Profiles ˆ Avian Nutrition ˆ
Please mail completed application and payment to:
Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club & Rescue Mission
P. 0. Box 6023
Corpus Christi, TX 78466
Please tell us how you heard about our club: ˆ Bird mart ˆ Friend ˆ
Handbook ˆ American Classifieds: ˆ Newspaper ˆ Web site: ˆ
Club table at PETCO: ˆ Other (Please list):__________________________
Thank You!!