LoveMauiGus
New member
Today an article was printed in our journal about how the West Nile virus is on the rise in our area, and they been testing more birds. I thought I would share these pointers of how to keep the mosquito population down if you keep your birds outside in an outdoor cage or aviary:
Health officials say people can reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus infection by:
Parrots can get WNV, but supposedly are not as susceptible to it as wild birds. Well I am always overly paranoid when it comes to keeping my feathered babies safe, but there is little information available relating to exotic birds & WNV - I say better be safe taking some minor precautions than be sorry, since symptoms don't show up in birds until the very late stages.
If anything, maybe this will safe the parronts from a bite or two!
Health officials say people can reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus infection by:
- Limiting the time they're outside around dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
- Applying insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin. Mosquitoes may bite through clothing.
- Making sure window and door screens are in good shape to prevent mosquito entry.
- Properly disposing of items that hold water, such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or discarded tires.
- Cleaning roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.
- Turning over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats and canoes when not in use.
- Changing the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days.
- Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; and draining water from pool covers.
- Trimming tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours.
- Landscaping to prevent water from pooling in low-lying areas.
Parrots can get WNV, but supposedly are not as susceptible to it as wild birds. Well I am always overly paranoid when it comes to keeping my feathered babies safe, but there is little information available relating to exotic birds & WNV - I say better be safe taking some minor precautions than be sorry, since symptoms don't show up in birds until the very late stages.
If anything, maybe this will safe the parronts from a bite or two!
