Does owning a caged pet bird increase the possibility of catching or spreading avian flu?
The likelihood of getting a pet bird that is already infected with avian flu is very low. It is illegal in the U.S. to import pet birds from regions that are infected with bird flu. In addition, if you’re concerned and already own a pet bird, keep it inside to avoid exposure to wild or migratory birds. If you are buying a new bird, especially of an exotic variety, be sure it has been legally imported. Smuggled birds from affected areas could possibly be infected with the bird flu virus. Information about federal embargoes on bird importation can be found at www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/outbreaks/embargo.
The likelihood of getting a pet bird that is already infected with avian flu is very low. It is illegal in the U.S. to import pet birds from regions that are infected with bird flu. In addition, if you’re concerned and already own a pet bird, keep it inside to avoid exposure to wild or migratory birds. If you are buying a new bird, especially of an exotic variety, be sure it has been legally imported. Smuggled birds from affected areas could possibly be infected with the bird flu virus.
