Webinar: “COVID-19 And Pet Birds”
Date: Friday, April 17, 2020
Time: 12 pm PST (double-check your local time with this time zone converter)
Join us for a live, interactive webinar hosted by Laura Doering, former editor of Bird Talk magazine and Birds USA magazine. Our special guest Stephanie Lamb, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice) will discuss the COVID-19 pandemic, how it pertains to pet birds, and how we can keep our pets safe and healthy.
Missed our webinar? No problem! You can access the webinar in its entirety here:
I have 5 cockateils and a parrakeet
I am kind of concerned. My daughter cleans the cage and feeds them. I do sweep up feathers with a mask and rubber gloves.
I am scared nw–my oncologist told me the birds are no problem
how can birds carry the virus?
I don’t want to get rid of my birds–they are very precious to me!
Hello Diane,
Thank you for your comments and question. Others are also asking about pets and COVID-19. The CDC devoted a section of its COVID-19 coverage to questions regarding animals. Click this link to see this. We also contacted Dr. Lamb for her thoughts.
“At this time it does not appear that birds can get infected with the virus, therefore, they should not be carrying it. However, if a person had the virus and was shedding it and the person touched the birds or their cage, they could get viral particles on the birds or their items. An uninfected person could theoretically then touch those items and have the virus get on them. This is highly unlikely to happen though. The best you can do is ensure no sick or infected people are coming into your home with the virus. An infected human with the virus is the main way another human is going to get it. That being said, birds can carry other diseases, such as chlamydia, that can be a problem for humans. They can be tested for this infection, along with being examined by a veterinarian for other problems. Their dander can be irritating as well to some people. If you have any health concerns, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders about what animals they recommend you being around.”
Need link to view later
Hi James,
Once the live webinar is recorded, we will include a link on the page so that those who missed it can view it.