Strange Growth on Shaft Tail's Beak

[sheherazade]

My heart goes out to all directly affected by this outbreak. I had never heard of TB being contageous between birds/humans or humans/birds. I even asked my veterinarian husband about it and he said that it is out there; not common, but it is there. Always has been and always will be. Sadly.

I asked how he would handle this situation if he came upon it and he said that it would be reported to the local public health officials and possibly the CDC, which I gather from reading the thread has happened.

Then I wondered about the financial aspects and the burden of this falling upon the pet owners. Since this is a public health issue, one would think that there is an agency that would cover the cost of containing the outbreak. My husband said he would look into it and e-mail me if he finds this to be the case. Maybe it varies state to state. Many years ago, I was personally involved in a potential rabies situation involving a dog, a cat and an unknown carrier, and the cost of my series of vaccinations was covered by a public agency (I can't remember exactly what).

Please, don't take my wonderings to be callous or insensitive to the heartbreak of these unfortunate families.

[Ginene]

sheherazade
Not at all...Thank you for the info. How lucky you are to be married to a vet!!! So far the cost was for the initial visit and the lab work on the lesion. I do not yet know the cost of the euthanasia of my 26 adults and 9 babies . It will be my financial responsibility though. As for further testing to determine the strain of M-TB, I believe that will not be mine. The avian vet sending out the droppings and doing any necropsies is doing so without my request. She is following it through till the end to get the answers she needs. Infectious Disease does need to know the specific strain as it is possible to transmit it from bird to human. I forget the name for these diseases...Zoo-something. But your hubby will know. Thanks for the input. I am a worried mess. Our preliminary PPD skin tests have come back negative, but we will all need to be retested again in 3 months.

[Acelin_Wolf]

"Our preliminary PPD skin tests have come back negative, but we will all need to be retested again in 3 months."

In such a terrible time at least this is some good news. Hopefully the next tests will say the same. Best of luck.

Again, I can't imagine having a family and going through all of this. It's simply unfathomable.

[cindy]

Glad all came back negative so far.

This is the link I posted on another topic thread regarding Avian TB, it explains it fairly well, this has been not only heartbreaking for all that are involved, but also an education on what is out there and what can be easily transmitted to our birds and to us.

http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/publications/f ... pter_8.pdf

[Toddmin]

Ginene,

I haven't been able to visit the forum much lately, so I was just able to catch up. I'm so very sorry to hear all of this. I was hoping it would somehow all turn out in a good way. I'll continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.

[Ginene]

Thanks Guys...I don't think I will be gone from the forum for too long...you guys are addicting! And all along I thought it was the birds...
@Toddmin
I appreciate you keeping us in your prayers. Include Teresa and Lisa too as they have both lost sweet birds too...
@cindy
Thank you, Cindy. Breathing a big sigh of relief for the health of my family. Fingers crossed Teresa's comes back the same tomorrow.
@Acelin_Wolf
I truly believe our tests will be negative in 3 months time too. Thankfully we have only been exposed for 7 weeks. If Juliet never had gotten that unusual lesion, we could have possibly been exposed for years.

[chirpy]

I really will miss you both... I know I've been on here a month but still.. It doesn't matter I will still miss you both! Thank you for coming back to us and letting us know how things are although it must be hard for you. I think you are doing what is most important, and in the long run your birds will suffer if kept alive with this.. I know that at some point you will be able to have birds again.. And love them like you do yours now. Lucky little birdies they are. It is unfortunate things like this happen but we all learn from unfortunate events as well. I thank you for bringing this to light, and informing all of us what you know. I completely am behind you whenever you need, and I can say that the majority are as well. Whenever you return know we've been waiting! Give your son a big hug, he sounds like a true champ. Obviously a fantastic mother as I can already tell by the way you are with your feathered family

[Nanajennie]

Good news about the results

[Musetta]

I selfishly hope that you come back soon, and return to finching once you have healed. You have improved the lives of so many birds that have been lucky enough to be in your care. You will be on my mind all day tomorrow! I don't think I could be as brave as you.

[Ginene]

chirpy@Nanajennie@Musetta
You guys are too sweet! I am trying not to post on this thread because of how it hurts my friend Lisa. I asked Sally to lock it, but every time someone posts something AMAZING to me, I cant keep myself from responding. I will only be gone for a very short time...this I know, because YOU ALL ARE AS ADDICTING AS FINCHES!!! And that is the truth. The love and support that you all have provided is ENDLESS AND AMAZING AND BEYOND TOUCHING. Please remember my friend Lisa too...as the 2 babies she entrusted into my care will be lost tomorrow too...I really do love all you guys . This place is SO much more than a finch forum...

[dfcauley]

Ginene I haven't been around much due to having knee surgery, but I have had all of you that are involved in this tragedy in my prayers. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this Hopefully your heart will heal quickly. ((((hugs for you)))))

[Ginene]

dfcauley
Thank you, Donna! It has been an emotional rollercoaster, but the support here is amazing...I hope that your surgery was successful and your knee heals quickly. All my best to you .

[fhgwgads]

Ginene we all feel for you, Lisa, and Teresa with everything you guys are going through as you already know full well. Please do not hesitate to message any time, especially with the coping prices after it all. Just remember you are doing the right thing. I know I have said that multiple times but life can seem so cruel and unpredictable. You are protecting your family and ensuring that the birds you love will never suffer and that they will be in a better place at peace.

[Nanajennie]

Ginene, I personally think this thread is important to keep open. It is going to be a source of love and support in the days to come. You have said it, This forum is much more than just about birds. It's about humanity and purity.

I want to do what you have to do to heal, but don't feel guilty for sticking around. You have done nothing wrong and are teaching so many people about things on this thread.

Just my humble opinion.... ~smmmmooooootchhhh~

[Ginene]

Nanajennie
xoxo jennie...what a smooch that was!!!!
@fhgwgads
xoxo Ashley...thank you so much!