I am so angry! (warning graphic pic attached)

[gracebowen]

ANA. She also said that she re homed the Parrotletts before bringing the Eckkie home. Regardless of how the bird got the virus I think your attitude regarding the whole situation stinks. You are supposed to be a professional. By the way rip off reports can't be removed so that bad businesses can't bully or bribe negative reports away. You hurt your own reputation by your attitude.

 

[Anansi]

Wait... Nobody has answered he the male could possibly be negative. No matter who is to blame that is still my question.

I'm honestly not sure. I'm going to do more research on this, but it could be that somehow he wasn't exposed. This would be pretty much miraculous no matter where the Polyoma was contracted, considering that both birds were in close proximity both at Liz's place and at the breeder's. Another possibility is that his immune system was simply stronger. Perhaps her immunity was somehow compromised.

 

[Anansi]

Here is a link I found that touches upon the length of time a bird might have the virus before dying: Polyoma Virus Infection in Birds | VCA Animal Hospitals

Here is the particular excerpt, which may be germane to this discussion: "It is not fully known how the virus is spread. Infected but asymptomatic adult birds intermittently shed the virus through feather dust, droppings, eggs, and crop milk (produced for feeding their offspring). It is unknown how long it takes from the time of infection until death (if it occurs); however, death may occur anywhere from 2-15 days after birth (e.g. budgerigars) to 140 days (e.g. larger parrots)."

 

[Doublete]

But would the bird test negative during this time?

 

[Anansi]

Here is another informative link: Polyoma Virus in Pet Birds

And again an excerpt of note: "Clinical signs vary between species and age of exposure. In Budgerigars, disease generally occurs between 1 and 3 weeks of age, while other birds generally show clinical signs between 4 and 16 weeks of age. Older birds (over 1-5 months of age) exposed to the virus rarely develop disease, though a few cases have been reported primarily in immunocompromised individuals. Nestling birds often die suddenly without any clinical signs, though the breeder may notice abdominal distension and widespread bleeding."

 

[Anansi]

But would the bird test negative during this time?

During the 140 days? I would believe so.

*Edit: Unless the bird was actually a carrier. A carrier would indeed test negative. One of our members just highlighted something for me from the first link I'd provided that I should have also have posted: "Because birds can shed the virus intermittently, several negative tests are needed to be somewhat certain that a bird is not a carrier."

So while the test may be more accurate than PDD or PBFD, it still leaves you with that awful and lingering sense of doubt after receiving a negative test result. (I'm so sorry about that, Liz.)

 

[Terry57]

I am so sorry you are going thru this and for your loss of Raja. Thank goodness that Jack tested negative. I appreciate all the information about this breeder as well, you may save someone else from going through this.
Stephen, thank you for the great links, very informative!

 

[Anansi]

You're welcome, Terry. After what I went through with Bixby, I know what it feels like to need to know all I possibly can about what took my bird from me.

 

[Doublete]

Prevention is the key with this disease, but recommendations will be different for the individual pet bird owner and the avian breeder. For those individuals who are planning to breed birds, consult with your veterinarian regarding specific recommendations for preventing disease in your aviary.
For the individual pet bird owner, this disease is of minimal concern, as most older pet birds have little risk of developing disease. If you are purchasing from a breeder, ask whether or not they are testing or vaccinating for polyoma and get a history of any previous outbreaks of polyoma in the past. It is best to purchase only birds that have already been weaned as older birds are less likely to have this disease.




so according to that excerpt... it had to have come from the breeder. and unfortunately the female bird just was unlucky enough to have a low immune system?

 

[Doublete]

I would also second that multiple tests need to be done on the male to confirm he is actually negative.

Sorry Liz. That sounds so dismal, but I would have the tests run at least twice more on different days.

 

[Doublete]

Liz... Just a suggestion, do what you feel is best, but I would cease arguing with carol. She is upset and unreasonable.

She's accusing you of things you can't defend without looking silly.
She looks ridiculous herself.
But I would move it to a private discussion, because you won't gain anything.

I also would suggest getting your male tested again, and maybe again. I know that's scary, but it sounds like it's possible it could still affect him.

The only chance you have is maybe small claims court for the price of the female that had to be euthanized, provided you can prove it came from Ana and no amount of vet treatment could have saved her.

 

[skylala]

If it is true that she signed a contract with a breeder that stated she had to vet check her birds 3 days after receiving from the breeder, and she failed to do so, I think she has just lost the court case. Written contracts are law when it comes to court cases like that unfortunately. It will be almost impossible to actually prove without a doubt the disease came from the breeder, even though it sounds like it has.

 

[Puck]

Hi Liz, I wanted to say that I am so sorry for the pain you are going through... And say that I disagree that the breeder has to be callous to protect herself legally. Wherever the disease came from, it never hurts to be caring and empathetic toward a person who is suffering and, as a long term business plan, showing such graciousness toward clients brings you business--hence the phrase "the customer is always right" whether they are or not. Even if the disease did not come from Ana (which it very well may have) the way she responded is not good for her business. So even if you do not win in court, you have exposed a lack of empathy toward customers that will probably follow her for quite awhile. I feel for your loss and am praying for Jack. *hugs*

 

[Doublete]

Her reaction definitely isn't a stellar example of customer service!

 

[Solo]

With the contract I'm afraid not much can be done. If you still feel like pursuing in the court of law, then that is your choice. Personally I would cease all contact with the breeder (including comments on fb) and only communicate through a lawyer. I understand this ordeal has hurt you and your family greatly, and I feel for your loss and Rajas suffering..but at this point your just repeating the same argument to a deaf ear with the breeder, and repeated "public" arguments could hurt your court case. I agree that they have been incredibly confrontational and callous. This is proven by the breeder showing compulsive behavior in their responses and going as far as cussing at you through a public entity.