PARROT DISEASE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18537, 7 April 1930, Page 11

PARROT DISEASE

FEAR OF PSITTACOSIS. HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S INVESTIGATIONS. By Telegraph—Pres. Association. WELLINGTON, April 5. Although so far as is known there has not been a case of psittacosis in New Zealand, the Department of Health has had an investigation made of the deaths of a number of parrots imported into the Dominion in January. A report issued by the Health Department states: — “The Medical Officer of Health at Wellington (Dr. T. R. Ritchie), having received information that some parrots had died at Wanganui, proceeded there to investigate it. He found that a dealer arrived at Auckland on 21st January with 75 Mexican green parrots from Nicaragua. Twelve of these were sent to a Wanganui bird fancier, and a week or two later two of these were returned to a bird dealer in Auckland, and another bird was taken away from Wanganui. Nine birds therefore remained at Wanganui, but they all sickened and died between the end of January and 23rd March. Fortunately none of the birds had been in contract with any other birds on the premises, and no parrots or love birds had been sold by the Wanganui fancier since the nine parrots arrived. The body of one bird that died at Auckland was forwarded to Dr. Gilmour, bacteriologist, of Auckland Hospital. Dr. Gilmour's examination proved negative. “The Department has also received information that a Wellington bird fancier acted as New Zealand agent for an importer, and that he received about 31 birds. Some of the birds in the consignment died in transit to Wellington. Only two birds were sold locally, and one of these died. The balance of the 31 were taken on to Christchurch by the importer for disposal there. The Department has telegraphed to Christchurch giving instructions for inquiries to be made in that quarter. “The Department views the matter in this way: That, while at present there is no bacteriological proof that the disease from which the birds died is psittaoosis, the symptoms from which they suffered and the quick nature of its spread are not inconsistent with the disease. In view of the serious fact that psittacosis itself can be conveyed to human beings, with even fatal results, the Department warns dealers or private persons who have recently bought parrots that if the birds are ailing they should be immediately destroyed. In the case of healthy birds, handling and mouth-to-mouth feeding should be avoided. On the other hand, as regards domestic parrots generally which have been in New Zealand over a considerable period, and have not been brought into contact with recent arrivals, there is no reason for fear, but such practices as mouth-to-mouth feeding and intimate handling should be avoided at all times, and particularly Just now when parrots appear to be suffering from this infectious and dangerous condition in some parts of the world." SEARCH IN CHRISTCHURCH. By Telegraph—Press Association. CHRISTCHUDCH, April 5. Investigations are being made by the Health Department to trace the ownership of parrots sold during February by P. V. Whitmore, some of them having belonged to a batch of

Mexican green parrots brought to Auckland by Mr White from Nicaragua in January. Thirty-one birds were brought to Christchurch for disposal, but only some were sold. Mr Whitmore says the birds he sold were in excellent health and condition, and he does not fear that they have since contracted disease. The unsold parrots sent to Mr Whitmore, by Mr White, are not now in Mr Whitmore’s possession. He believes that they have been returned to Wanganui.