The Bugs

[GreyGoose]

This will be our first summer with Goose and I dont know about anywhere else but in the summer even when its warm some days we have mosquitoes. I dont know if they bother birds but from going in and out they more often than not get in the house. I was wondering if they bother birds and if they do is there anything to make it so they dont?? thanks-

[Lisa B]

During Dr Ritchies lecture this question was addressed. He feels that the benefits of sunshine out weigh the risks about West Nile, and The Bird Flu. The Bird Flu is not here yet...and has mostly affected poultry and water fowl.
West Nile, he suggest late morning, early afternoon for your birds to be out. That is the time there are less mosquitoes.
Here are some notes I took,not much, but this is what I have.

Bald Eagles were one of the first species effected by WNV. Crows/Raptors/water fowl are more susseptable to death from WNV.
Condors were the first to be vaccinated before the virus jumped over the Rocky Mountains. It was a success!
It was introduced into the US in the 1990, by a house sparrow from Europe, and the virus is HUMAN MADE. (not sure what the meaning was behind that because I had to get up when he explained)
African species of parrots are tolerant of the disease, and will most likly not die.
South Pacific and New World Parrots are more likely to die if infected with WNV.
WNV is shed in bird droppings and transmitted through blood.
Best to avoid outside birds, and dont let them eat from any feeder/dish you bird might eat from.

VIRUS' HATE SUNSHINE AND HEAT.









so yes you do have to be careful of Mosquitoes because of West Nile.