Up North , it's getting close to that time of year to be thinking about that Outdoor Aviary so the birds can enjoy the benefits of the fresh air and sun. It's also a time I question, is it safe?

I read this article on the Gabriel Foundation site about West Nile Virus. Thoughts?

People ask about the safety of bringing parrots outside with the prevalence of West Nile Virus. We believe the risk to psittacine birds is minimal. Unless your parrots are out near a large source of mosquitos at dawn or dusk, there is little chance of them getting infected by the disease. Psittacine birds are not particularly susceptible to West Nile virus. Raptors (hawks, eagles and owls) and corvids (jays, crows, magpies) are particularly at risk for catching and being killed by West Nile Virus.
http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org

There are no proven cases of WNV in parrots that I can find. HOWEVER - my birds have received the WNV vaccine and get boosters every year... the initial cost was a little higher, (I don't remember how much) but the boosters are like $50 at my vet.

Here's the thing though.... it is not yet officially approved for avian use. the vaccine that my birds get is the same one that is out for approval right now, but is only officially approved for equestrian use.

I figure with my odd luck, better safe then sorry; I have a pond and I live in a WNV positive area and the birds are outside a LOT. My vet convinced me it was safe when he told me he had personally been using it on the hundreds of parrots at the San Diego zoo for a few years with no ill affects, and that it IS in process for avian approval as the same thing.

So, it may be worry over nothing, but there is a vaccine out there.

Thank you for this information Dana. I had no idea there was a vaccination. It will be something I will discuss with my AV.

I make use of outdoor aviaries for my two in the summer. Their aviaries are on my deck and they're only out during daylight hours (out after sunup/brought in before sundown). It's in an area that is not a magnet for mosquitoes so I haven't been overly worried.

My AV told me just over a year ago that parrots are not likely to be infected by WNV and told me that I should not be reluctant to take them outdoors. I also did not know there was a vaccine available. I'll bet that my AV did not suggest it because he feels the risk is low. I need to ask him!

You're welcome.

I just wanted to add, that my vet did comment that he felt that sunlight was way more beneficial than the risk of WNV, vaccine or no vaccine.

Interesting....

We have a pond, and fir trees full of many currently nesting crows. I wonder how safe it would be to have the Goons outside when the weather warms?

Irish.... it is because of my pond, (even though it is filled with mosquito fish - btw that whatever county you live in will probably give you for free) that I agreed to the vaccination.... to ease your mind you might want to check into it.

I agree...the benifit the birds get from the sun and fresh air etc. far outways any risk of WNV. My birds stay out during the day and come in before the blood suckers come out. Many people in warm climates have year round outdoor aviaries, and no problems.