Avian Flu in Pet Birds: Should You Be Concerned?

of wildcaught birds in the pet trade. On top of causing the wild birds severe trauma by ripping them away from their natural environment this practice can play a role in introducing many diseases including the avian flu to peoples homes and aviaries 7
So if you are looking for a new bird seek a reputable breeder or rescue group to ensure that your new pet is healthy. If you have recently purchased a bird that you suspect was captured from the wild schedule an appointment with an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Avian vets are capable of testing for the diseases specific to birds such as the avian flu and they can offer your bird treatment if necessary.
Keeping Your Pet Bird Healthy
One risk to a pet birds health is improper care from its owner. Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet bird to

 mitigate the spread of any diseases. And make sure youre thoroughly cleaning its environment on a regular basis to remove feces old food and other waste that can potentially spread disease.
A quality diet is one of the primary ways to maximize a pet birds healthy lifespan 8 In addition to nutritious seeds and pellets make sure youre feeding your bird a mix of leafy greens and other vegetables some fruits grains and nuts. Consult your veterinarian for the optimal diet for your specific bird. 

Furthermore provide your bird with plenty of space and toys to promote exercise. An overweight bird is at risk of many diseases 9 Plus make sure your bird has ample social time either with you or other pet birds or both to maintain its mental and physical health. And finally schedule regular wellness checks with your avian vet. Birds can succumb to diseases very quickly10 so its important to
closely monitor their health throughout their lives.