Parrots, Selling Sick Birds, PBFD

I was wondering if you could tell me if there is any regulation
concerning selling a contagious parrot to another. I was sold an
ecleptus which I was told had plucked her feathers due to neglect.
After taking the bird, I tooke her to the hospital and a test confirmed
she had beak and feather. Unfortunately she had been kept in my home
until the tests came back and possibly infected my beloved Congo and
conure. Is there any thing i can do about this. I am just sick. I was
trying to rescue the bird.


Dear Dianne:

Thank you for your email. I am sorry to hear about this situation. You need to speak to a lawyer as I cannot give you legal advice. Also, every state is different when it comes to consumer protection laws regarding the sales of animals. I would imagine that the person selling the bird would have had to have known about the bird being sick prior to the sale and that might be difficult to prove as very few people have these kinds of tests run. Even if they do, there may be problems with the test such as receiving a false negative but you should speak to a lawyer in your county.

Also, since birds, as are all animals, considered 'property' you would have to prove that your birds were indeed infected by this bird. Furthermore that they have been harmed and what the damages would be but again you need to speak to an attorney. Fortunately, not all birds that are exposed to PBFD become infected and even those that are, do not succumb to the disease. You should talk with vets who specialize in PBFD and have your other birds tested. I would also immediately put that bird into quarantine and exercise quarantine procedures when it comes to caring for all the birds.

Best of luck to you and your birds and again, I am very sorry to hear about this.

Sincerely yours,

Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S.