WN>Next question.  A lady in my community is giving away a 12 year old Blue
WN>Front
WN>Amazon, named TJ.  He has psittacosis and had his last treatment today.  
v
WN>'e
WN>heard that Psittacosis is a life long disease that is contagious even 
though
WN>dormant.  My brother-in-law is taking the bird, if he visits me and 
oesn't
WN>wash very good, is there a chance he could infect my Golden Wing.?
Yes, it is possible. "Chlamydia Psittici", also known as psittacosis,
ornithosis and parrot fever, is transmitted by fecal matter. If the bird
was treated correctly, for the proper length of time with the right
dosage,  the disease should be in check.
If the B-I-L comes over and has any poop on him anywhere (walked through
it, has some on his clothes, or even gets infected dust on him), he
could potentially transmit it to your birds.
Nobody seems to know for sure whether this disease can be CURED or
not. There is a school of thought that says Psit. never fully leaves the
bird's body, and can start up again during times of stress (such as
going to a new home, breeding or other illness). Your B-I-L should fully
quarantine the bird for 60 days and stay away from your house for a
while. About 2 weeks into the quarantine period, he should have the bird
re-tested again for Psittacosis by the vet. If he's not shedding it
then, he'll probably be OK.
Just to be safe, you CAN help avoid cross-contamination by requesting
(insisting?) that he ALWAYS take a shower, and wear clean clothes when
coming to your house. Ask him to leave his shoes outside (keep a pair at
your place for him?). Make him understand that this can cause YOU great
problems if he doesn't comply.
--Kathy
 * SLMR 2.1a * Behind every successful woman--HERSELF!
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