COVID-19 and parrots
NOTE: This is based on current scientific information at the time of publication. It’s possible the virus or information will change, but it’s accurate for now.
I hesitate to even comment on this because it’s currently a non-issue, but there is so much information and hysteria about everything related to COVID-19. Consider one of the largest bird rescue organizations in the country, Mickaboo and their COVID-19 response on their main page:
We also want to help the Mickaboo community safely support each other throughout this challenging period to ensure their continued good health and that of their birds.
COVID-19 Response from Mickaboo Leadership—Mickaboo
Granted, it doesn’t come out and say that birds carry COVID-19 and we can catch it from them and vice-versa, but it certainly does imply it. This sort of hysteria and lack of science-based thinking is what leads to panic.
Can we spread the virus to each other
Coronaviruses that infect animals can become able to infect people, but this is rare.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)—Centers for Disease Control
NOTE, IT DOES NOT SAY COVID-19, IT SAYS CORONAVIRUSES. This is a class of viruses, but the current outbreak is COVID-19.
To make it clearer:
At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 or that they might be a source of infection in the United States.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)—Centers for Disease Control
University of California—Davis, the top rated agricultural university in the country and considered a “public Ivy League” school, has this to say:
“Currently, the CDC, WHO, AVMA, and UC Davis clinicians believe that there is no evidence that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they can spread the disease through communicable means.”
FAQs for Pet Owners during the COVID-19 Pandemic—UC Davis
The CDC gives advice on sensible precautions you can take with your animals that are actually just good general practice.
However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.
Wash your hands after handling animals, their food, waste, or supplies.
Practice good pet hygiene and clean up after pets properly.
Take pets to the veterinarian regularly and talk to your veterinarian if you have questions about your pet’s health.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)—Centers for Disease Control
Note there is nothing the Centers for Disease Control) CDC says that implies that we should panic that birds will make us ill or we will make birds ill with COVID-19, provided we practice basic hygiene that we should be practicing anyway. Birds can even catch the common cold from us and several other diseases.
The World Health Organization (WHO) concurs.
