| Thanks Karen! I wrote a paper last winter about feline, canine
and human Chlamyida and how it relates to Avian Chamydia. The vaccines
most commonly used in these parts (Northern New England) for dogs
and cats contain a modified live virus called chlamydia. And even
after all the research, there is still some gray area.
Since the (cat/dog) vaccines used a "modified live"virus, I was
afraid that the active period for the vaccine would affect the birds.
Clamydia in birds is Psittacosis. It turns out that since the virus
is "modified live, it should not affect the birds, however, caution
was always expressed by the pathologists I spoke with.
The thing I have found to watch for as far as pathogens are concerned
is that most anything floats in the air. Most of these pathogens
originate in feces of other animals. As the feces dry out, these
little organisims fly...are inhaled by the birds and they become
infected.
Coccidia and giardia are the two most prevelent micro-organisims
to be watchful of. They are both transmitted via dry feces and
must be treated. But, if your pets are all vaccinated against disease,
they most likely will not affect your bird.
Keep stool loads to a minimum so nothing gets tracked back in the
house with you or the animals and yes, keep the bunny and birds
separate. Other than that, there is not much else I am aware of.
I have 4 cats and 2 dogs. And if I did not bring home anything
from the hosiptals, then there is nothing for you to be too concerned
about at your home!
If you are aware of upper respiratory disease thought, keep that
well away from the birds!
Does this help Karen?
J
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| I routinely run stool tests on my birds. I watch for worms, a common
parasite for all living creatures. Because I have so many feeders
in the yard and dogs that go out there too, I often check the stools
of the wild birds. Mostly to control the parasite loads to my dogs,
but they can float into the house too.
I found all wild birds were infected with some sort of parasite
and went to the obsessed degree of treating the wild bird seed with
sulfar preparation (veterinary stuff) to *try* to control the
possibilities. But again, it is just an obsession of mine!
Vitamin water however, of not changed at least once a day, especially
in hot weather, attracts a bacteria...I had a pair of finches infected
with giardia once. It was easily treated and the birds are fine
now!
Parasites do show up though. They alter the appearance of the
droppings. Sometimes the droppings are tinged with a bit of blood,
or they look like puffed rice or appear to have mucos mixed in.
Intestinal parasites are common in all living creatures. You just
have to find the bad ones and eliminate them...
J
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