COVID-19 and Veterinary Care

GaleriaGila

Supporting Member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
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9,756
Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 40-year-old Patagonian Conure
COVID-19 and Veterinary Care


Introduction


The Coronavius (COVID-19) is challenging many customs of everyday life, and obtaining avian veterinary care is no exception. We are having regular queries here about how to access veterinary evaluation and treatment while observing general COVID infection control practices.
Foremost among issues of concern are 1) social distance and accessing care, 2) safe cleaning of surfaces and skin, and 3) appropriate use of personal protection equipment (PPE) items. Looking at each of these three concerns...

1. Social Distance and Accessing Care


For those of us who can manage it, "stay safe, stay home" is our new mantra. For those of us who must go to work, or complete necessary errands, or access medical care for ourselves or our birds, it can get complicated. Let's look just at the avian medical issues. There may be instances where you need to try to access care at a facility where you have already established yourself. Don't just assume that these veterinarians are closed. Many (mine included) are working hard to establish curbside appointments, or advanced-text communication to facilitate quick entry/exits at offices, or other social-distance-conscious options. Call and ask, preferably ahead of time of an emergency. If your preferred vet can't help, then call around and explore options... again, ahead of time!
I used a favorite search engine to get an idea of online resources, looking for "avian veterinary hotline Cleveland (my home area). I recommend some occasional creative searching, just to make sure you're tuned in to the latest. Here's what I turned up as of the day of the writing of this post. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf...hUKEwixzoeXlMzoAhUDbq0KHZaVBDQQ4dUDCAg&uact=5
As an ongoing tool, here is what I routinely offer to members. Certified Avian Vets can be identified at https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
General Avian Veterinarians can be searched at http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Although there are certainly exceptions, any of the vets listed here should be better prepared than a regular vet. Also, sometimes I find a place to start just by Googling "avian veterinarian near [your location]".
As far as safe distancing from friends and family (including avoidance of touching), pay attention to the latest information given out by civic and trusted media. Your birds are depending upon you to stay safe and healthy. Be rigorous and uncompromising! You're their world.

2. Safe Cleaning of Surfaces and Skin.

As responsible parronts, we have to be careful with certain cleaners. Most of us have developed methods of cleaning new items, performing routine housecleaning of cages and accessories, and maintaining safe cleaning and storage of foods. In general, no need for changing tried and true habits. When introducing new items (from accessories to foods), safe and thorough cleaning is needed. Even if your birds don't eat an item, chances are it will wind up in their beaks or feet, and therefore must be safe. Don't forget to discard all external packaging carefully and then wash your hands.
Some reading for you...
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/29173-question-about-cleaning-vinegar.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/28543-there-any-bird-safe-home-cleaning-products.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/47988-white-distilled-vinegar.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/47880-how-disinfect-toys-made-out-wood-rope.html

3. Appropriate Use of PPE Items.

Here is another area where it is important to stay aware of the latest input from civic and trusted media sources, since changes in construction and obtaining of PPE devices seems constant. In general, do try to have items clean and ready. If you must improvise with bandanas, scarves, or homemade items, be aware that they are not scientifically certified, and should still be augmented with social distance and clean surfaces/skin/etc.


Some Last Thoughts

Be prepared. Have a home emergency kit at the ready. Have all relevant phone numbers handy. Make sure the travel crate/cage is set to go.
Ths link is aimed at Amazons, but is applicable to any bird. Thanks, Sailboat!!
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/65119-i-love-amazons-going-journey-14.html#post645259
Keep us in mind, and let us know if you uncover any new ideas or resources concerning social distance, and/or safe cleaning, and/or use of PPE items. Good for all of us here, for being aware of these issues, and for reaching out and researching, and for caring about our Community. Let's stay responsive to changing circumstances and keep supporting one another!


*********************************
*****************
******​
 
COVID-19 and Veterinary Care


Introduction


The Coronavius (COVID-19) is challenging many customs of everyday life, and obtaining avian veterinary care is no exception. We are having regular queries here about how to access veterinary evaluation and treatment while observing general COVID infection control practices.
Foremost among issues of concern are 1) social distance and accessing care, 2) safe cleaning of surfaces and skin, and 3) appropriate use of personal protection equipment (PPE) items. Looking at each of these three concerns...

1. Social Distance and Accessing Care


For those of us who can manage it, "stay safe, stay home" is our new mantra. For those of us who must go to work, or complete necessary errands, or access medical care for ourselves or our birds, it can get complicated. Let's look just at the avian medical issues. There may be instances where you need to try to access care at a facility where you have already established yourself. Don't just assume that these veterinarians are closed. Many (mine included) are working hard to establish curbside appointments, or advanced-text communication to facilitate quick entry/exits at offices, or other social-distance-conscious options. Call and ask, preferably ahead of time of an emergency. If your preferred vet can't help, then call around and explore options... again, ahead of time!
I used a favorite search engine to get an idea of online resources, looking for "avian veterinary hotline Cleveland (my home area). I recommend some occasional creative searching, just to make sure you're tuned in to the latest. Here's what I turned up as of the day of the writing of this post. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf...hUKEwixzoeXlMzoAhUDbq0KHZaVBDQQ4dUDCAg&uact=5
As an ongoing tool, here is what I routinely offer to members. Certified Avian Vets can be identified at https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
General Avian Veterinarians can be searched at http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Although there are certainly exceptions, any of the vets listed here should be better prepared than a regular vet. Also, sometimes I find a place to start just by Googling "avian veterinarian near [your location]".
As far as safe distancing from friends and family (including avoidance of touching), pay attention to the latest information given out by civic and trusted media. Your birds are depending upon you to stay safe and healthy. Be rigorous and uncompromising! You're their world.

2. Safe Cleaning of Surfaces and Skin.

As responsible parronts, we have to be careful with certain cleaners. Most of us have developed methods of cleaning new items, performing routine housecleaning of cages and accessories, and maintaining safe cleaning and storage of foods. In general, no need for changing tried and true habits. When introducing new items (from accessories to foods), safe and thorough cleaning is needed. Even if your birds don't eat an item, chances are it will wind up in their beaks or feet, and therefore must be safe. Don't forget to discard all external packaging carefully and then wash your hands.
Some reading for you...
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/29173-question-about-cleaning-vinegar.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/28543-there-any-bird-safe-home-cleaning-products.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/47988-white-distilled-vinegar.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-toys/47880-how-disinfect-toys-made-out-wood-rope.html

3. Appropriate Use of PPE Items.

Here is another area where it is important to stay aware of the latest input from civic and trusted media sources, since changes in construction and obtaining of PPE devices seems constant. In general, do try to have items clean and ready. If you must improvise with bandanas, scarves, or homemade items, be aware that they are not scientifically certified, and should still be augmented with social distance and clean surfaces/skin/etc.


Some Last Thoughts

Be prepared. Have a home emergency kit at the ready. Have all relevant phone numbers handy. Make sure the travel crate/cage is set to go.
Ths link is aimed at Amazons, but is applicable to any bird. Thanks, Sailboat!!
http://www.parrotforums.com/amazons/65119-i-love-amazons-going-journey-14.html#post645259
Keep us in mind, and let us know if you uncover any new ideas or resources concerning social distance, and/or safe cleaning, and/or use of PPE items. Good for all of us here, for being aware of these issues, and for reaching out and researching, and for caring about our Community. Let's stay responsive to changing circumstances and keep supporting one another!


*********************************
*****************
******​
The CDC specifically states that vinegar does not kill this. I just want to make sure that is clear.
 
Thank you for providing this Thread!

To add to the above, I recently took our King of the House in for a pre-scheduled Medical Visit. Prior to this pre-scheduled Vet Visit, I received a call to explain their new guidelines for Vet Care!

So what was it like!

"Julio (our Double Yellow-Head Amazon) went in for a very minor check-up. With the Monster Virus restrictions in place, I arrived as requested: 'on-time' in front of our CAV's Clinic. A Vet Tech met me outside shortly after I drove-up and after providing my name, address, mobile phone number and what seemed like a long list of other stuff and finally the name of our HRH. At that point, our normal Avian Vet Tech came out and while the other one was still asking questions, our AVT took Julio inside the clinic, in his carrier.

Twenty minutes later the first Tech appeared with Julio screaming several words I have never heard him use, plus his normal I greatly dislike this place statements. I reach across and opened the door, she quickly set his carrier in the front seat closed the door and came around to the other side to complete the payment transaction, once done and with Julio still stating his displeasure, she booked back into the safely of the building.

This quickly followed with a call from our CAV, with the update regarding the visit. All is well!

Near all the way home, I heard from Julio regarding the visit and why that place is filled with devil people!!!

- Point being, as stated above, you must call in advance and schedule an appointment!

- You must arrive in front of the Clinic 'On-Time.'

- All interactions with the Avian Professional will be by Mobile Phone.

- And yes, you will need to have your Parrot in a carrier that is easy to remove from your car.
 
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Superbly informative and easy to access thread, Gail! Veterinary care in the age of COVID-19 is challenging but possible in the U.S. and presumably other nations.

Emphasis is on complying with safe distancing and interfacing with veterinary staff. Parrots are not currently considered a vector, thus the cleaning advice is of more hygienic than anti-viral concern.

CDC advice for coronavirus protection: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cleaning-disinfection.html
 
Thank you for providing this thread, Abs. Wonderful resource in these trying times.
 
Gail, thank you so much for all your hard work on this wonderful thread! This is a very helpful resource for everyone.
 
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
My thanks, all, and also my pleasure.

I was aware of Julio's adventure. In fact, that got me thinking about making this thread. Thanks, Julio!

Suburbs of the Cleveland area were knocked for a loop by a series of thunderstorms and tornadoes earlier this week... many of us are just now getting our power back.

Locked down, stayin' home and stayin' safe, but with no social media?????!!!!!??????!!!!???? NO PARROT FORUMS??????????
Unable to check in on my thread on corona-era health care and related on-line issues and communication?????????
Ohhhhhh, THE IRONY!!!!!

Anyway, thanks again!
 
Glad to have you back, Abs!
 

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