(This info will be posted monthly by the moderator to inform new echo
users, and remind the regular users, of this valuable service).
TO ALL:
The following text is a letter released by Dr. Branson Ritchie, DVM. Dr.
Ritchie is one of the leading avian veterinarians in the US, and is heavily
involved in research concerning Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PFBD)
and Polyoma virus. Dr. Ritchie is making himself available to speak to bird
owners of all levels of experience.
The phone number is 1-900-AVV-IANS, or 1-900-288-4267.
The phone is answered by Dr. Ritchie himself, from 7pm to 10pm EST at a
charge of $2.95 a minute. For the cost of a visit to a local vet, you can
speak to one of the foremost avian vets in the country. I strongly urge you
all to save this post and keep it in a safe place for use in an emergency.
And now, Dr. Ritchie's letter:
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For years I have observed the difficulties encountered by concerned bird
enthusiasts and breeders who were seeking information about the care of
their birds. In some instances, the inability to find answers to critical
questions has resulted in undue pain and suffering on the part of their
avian friends; in other cases, incorrect information has resulted in the
mismanagement of disease outbreaks within a nursery, aviary or multi-bird
household. I often asked people who have had these problems why they did not
seek help earlier. Inevitably, they answer that they knew of no one they
could call, they knew I was busy and did not want to bother me or they were
afraid to ask what may be perceived by others as a trivial question.
To help resolve this problem, I decided to provide the avicultural community
with a nighttime phone consultation service. This service should eliminate
the concern that bird enthusiasts have in calling upon me as an information
resource. It will also provide a place for bird enthusiasts to have their
questions answered and will help generate funds for research.
Specifically, 1-900-AVV-IANS (1-900-288-4267) is designed to:
Answer:
 *general questions about the care and breeding of birds
 *questions that bird enthusiasts may have after they have been to an avian
veterinarian
Provide an easy to access source of information:
 *to bird enthusiasts who are seeking a second opinion on some advice they
may have received
 *to the latest research findings on the management of infectious diseases
 *to bird enthusiasts who are seeking preventative health advice for their
birds
Help people:
 *locate an avian veterinarian in their area who can provide medical care
for the type of problem that their bird is experiencing
 *know when an abnormality they have noticed is severe enough to seek
veterinary assistance
 *who have not previously been to an avian veterinarian understand what to
expect
 *decipher complicated laboratory results they may have received on their
birds and determine what these results mean to them and their birds
 *reduce the anxiety associated with the loss of a bird or an infectious
disease outbreak
I hope this service will improve the quality of care available to companion
birds.
Sincerely,
Branson Ritchie DVM, PhD
(end letter)
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--Kathy
 * SLMR 2.1a * 
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