Sorry I've been MIA--working on parrots & avian flu

[Jean]

Hi All,

Sorry I've been MIA. I was feeling bad, but figured out what I was reacting to and eliminated it.

I'm pulling the last of the annuals at work and should be laid off soon. I volunteered to do the holiday decorations so I may work into December. I'll be cursing myself when I'm hanging lights in the snow and cold!!!

I have three hens on eggs and two more are eyeing their nest boxes. I should have a population explosion in a few weeks.

In the meantime, I started a yahoo group to deal with how avian flu will affect our parrots. I've been doing a lot of research (I feel like Wayne). It's scary because if the flu enters this country it could wipe out our birds. They will be catching it from us!

Hey, any of you medical people, do you know what type of mask I could wear to protect my birds from an aerosol virus?

Good to 'see' you all! Love, Jean

[Polly]

Hi Jean!

Yep, the avian flu sure is scary, isn't it? I would guess that a particulate filter mask would do the trick. Also, I'm sure you know that there is still no substitute for good, old-fashioned, frequent handwashing to prevent the spread of communicable disease.

I have been wondering how we MCers will do with that flu? Since we have hyper-reactive immune systems, it is likely that we will mount a rapid and effective immune response to the virus. However, I read an article by an expert, Dr. Osterholm, who said that the greatest death rate will most likely occur among those who are the healthiest (if this flu pandemic is anything like the one in 1918). Because of the incredibly rapid replication of the virus, the body responds with a massive immune response, and it is the "cytokine" storm that results from this response that actually kills people. Thus, those who have the healthiest (largest)immune response are most likely to die. Hmmmmm.

How is my potential African grey baby coming along? Is it a gleam in daddy's eyes yet? Do the male and female at least like each other?

Love,

Polly

P.S. Glad you found the offender. Have you found a safe replacement med. yet?

[tex]

Polly,

So, is Dr. Osterholm inferring that those of us with hyperactive immune systems, (or anyone else, for that matter), should take immune system suppressants, as a precaution, in case of exposure to the virus?

Jean,

I agree that an ordinary particulate filter mask should work. You can get special masks designed to shield against mists and vapors, but I doubt that would be necessary.

Love,
Wayne

[Jean]

Polly,

Thanks for the tip on the mask! I'm going for our immune systems will save us. Maybe that's how gluten intolerance became a genetic advantage...

Thanks for asking about the Greys (I was just dying to talk about them)! When I first got Makalo, I had to partially cover his cage because he was so frantic when a human was in the room. He would rock back and forth and squawk like a goose. In just two weeks, he has settled down enough that any of us can be in the room with him and he stays calm. I think this is a big step.

The couple seems to really like each other. They have a Grey conversations in which they whistle back and forth and in unison. They eat, sleep and preen at the same time. If Zoey throws her apple on the floor, he throws his. In birdy romance, this is the real thing.

They are in separate cages about 2 feet apart. Zoey's cage is never closed, but she hasn't chosen to fly over to his yet. I'm going to let them decide when they want to get closer. There's always the chance that they will harm each other, so I'm going slow. Don't give up, I think they'll get together.

Jean