ORIGINAL EMAIL
Most of you know that we have spent the last 30 years trying to provide you with exceptional parrots from our own aviaries and all the tools you need for a happy, healthy family companion.
In addition, we have pretty much "under the radar" found homes for dozens of parrots who have lost their original homes for many reasons, including illness, death, divorce and financial distress.
This is a last-ditch appeal to find a home for Sam, a 44 year old Moluccan Cockatoo who has tested positive for Bornavirus and Anti-ganglioside antibodies.
With our experience in clinical laboratory science, we have focused on health issues and particularly tried to keep you updated on infectious avian diseases. Forty some years ago when wild parrots were still being imported to the U.S. many parrots were dying of what was just known as "wasting disease"
As research progressed and the etiology of the disease emerged it became known as PDD (Proventricular Dilation Disease).
Further studies have revealed that the disease is caused by a virus called Bornavirus. Recent estimates show that as many as 30% of our our parrots may test positive for antibodies to this virus.
Although he is seemingly asymptomatic and may have many years of life ahead, Sam has tested positive to both Bornavirus and Anti-ganglioside antibodies.
The Moluccan Cockatoo known as "The Greeter " at the San Diego zoo passed away at age 92.
If we can find someone to foster him until late Spring when temperatures would allow him to acclimate to life outdoors, he would be welcome at a very special sanctuary where other cockatoos testing positive for Bornavirus are now living out their lives with their own kind.
Please let us know if you can help either by adopting or fostering Sam in a single parrot home. There is no fee involved and if needed a suitable cage would be provided.
Note: This species of Bornavirus is avian specific and cannot be transmitted to humans or other mammals.
With