The bird flu is a strain of influenza that is highly contagious and should be taken very seriously. Symptoms in birds differ according to the species but can include diarrhea, breathing difficulties, a swollen head and death. The birds can pass the virus for up to ten days through their stools, nasal secretions, or saliva.

If you suspect a wild bird has the bird flu, contact your local police department or wildlife department. If you think your pet bird has the bird flu, contact your local veterinarian immediately. If you believe you have come in contact with a bird that has the bird flu, make sure you wash your hands and clothes thoroughly and immediately. Keep pet birds inside and take great care to wash your hands after handling him or his food or water. If your domestic bird has contracted bird flu, your veterinarian will likely order him quarantined for a period of time to make sure any danger of spreading the disease has passed.

Bird flu can range from a minor illness to a profound epidemic in very little time. In some circumstances, death will occur as a result of being infected with the bird flu. Prevention is relatively simple. Stay away from outdoor birds, especially dead ones you find on your property. If you must dispose of the bird, lift it with a shovel or other tool that makes sure you will never touch the body. Bury the body deep enough that scavenging animals will not be able to dig it up. If the bird died from bird flu, it is possible it may spread the disease to any animal or person that comes in contact with it, so caution is very important.

Perhaps the most important precaution is the most overlooked – wash your hands. Most of us say we wash our hands frequently, but really do little more than rinse them under running water. To be truly effective, you must scrub your hands, nails, and wrists with soap for at least 30 seconds. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re washing long enough. Count the next time you wash your hands, you may be surprised to find you’re actually spending about half that time on your routine.

A little prevention and care can help stop the spread of the dreaded bird flu in homes and domestic animals. You’ve spent a lot of time caring for and loving your pet bird, and it’s very important to continue that now. The steps you take can save both you and your pet, and help control the outbreak of this disease.

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