The Holistic Parrot

Those of us who keep parrots may have recognised some of the commonalities between avian viral and bacterial infections and Covid-19 (Coronavirus). One glaring similarity that jumped out for me is the fact that an individual can be a carrier without showing any symptoms. This is why it is so essential for the health of our existing parrot collections to quarantine every new bird for a set time period, and receive a clean bill of health from your avian veterinarian, before introducing them into the rest of your flock. Many of the avian pathogens go through a cycle and into dormancy where standard disease testing cannot detect them, but they can still be shed in the feather dander and faeces contaminating food, water and the environment.

- Leslie Moran

Plum-headed Parakeet

With the threat of Covid-19 having swept across country borders, this has forced many of us to practise ‘social distancing’ while isolating ourselves at home because of ‘shelter in place’ orders. And when we do need to venture out for something essential, grocery shopping, a healthcare visit, or essential employment, it’s as if we’re venturing into an unknown sea of microbes. Where even with our best efforts, we may become infected, not knowing if the case will be mild, moderate or deadly.

As I risked going out to grocery shop, I realised that I was using many of the same practises that I do when bringing home new birds. However because I was facing Corvid-19, I added a few changes.

Essential garments and shoes

Have one pair of shoes that you only wear indoors and on the outdoor areas of your own property, and have different shoes that you only wear when you are going out into the outside world. Also when going out, wear clothing that cover your arms, legs, head, neck throat and face. Keeping in mind that as soon as you return home, these exterior clothing items will be tossed in the washing machine, for a thorough washing and drying.

My choice disinfectant

After researching and writing about the effectiveness of GSE (grapefruit seed extract) against Newcastle Virus Disease and Avian influenza (bird flu) in this column, issue 266, March, 2020. I began wondering if there were any similarities these pathogens shared with the Covid-19 virus. I quickly learned that all three are all ‘enveloped’ viruses.