Strawberry Finches & Bird Flu

Native to India, the strawberry finch has brilliant strawberry-colored markings and a distinctive spotted appearance. A tiny bird, 3 to 4 inches long, the strawberry finch is known for its distinctive song. Bombay Avadavat, Green Avadavat, Yellow Avadavat and Golden-Breasted Avadavat finches are popular mutations of the strawberry finch. Strawberry finches along with many different species of birds can transmit bird flu to humans. So breeders should handle their birds in a safe way.

  1. History of Bird Flu

    • Bird Flu, also known as Asian flu (H5N1) has been around as long as man has interacted with birds. Bird flu can be found in every part of the planet that supports avian life. Although there are several types of bird flu, the H5N1 strain of flu virus can infect pigs, horses, birds and people. Outbreaks of bird flu have given rise to worldwide concern and even panic as human deaths are reported.

    H5N1 Explained

    • Bird flu is a highly infectious disease of birds caused by mutated strains of the type A flu virus. It was first identified in Italy over 100 years ago. According to the website ladygouldianfinch.com, there are two subtypes of influenza type A named on the basis of the two proteins on the surface of the virus--Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). Of the many HA subtypes and NA subtypes, only one--H5N1--is the bird flu you hear about in news reports. (H5 = an HA 5 protein; N1 = an NA 1 protein)

    Transmission of the Bird Flu Virus

    • Bird flu is transmitted from bird to bird by mucus, saliva and bird droppings. When an infected bird sneezes, the bird flu virus is carried airborne and transmitted to another host. The bird flu virus can also be transmitted if a bird infected with H5N1 shares a cage or stagnant water supply with other birds. The Asian virus can transmit when a bird steps in infected droppings and then cleans its feet with its beak.

    H5N1 and Humans

    • Bird flu does not normally infect species other than pigs and birds. However, a human outbreak occurred in 1997 in Hong Kong when the H5N1 strain infected 18 humans. Six people died. The people who were infected had direct contact with infected birds. Scientist do not believe bird flu can be transmitted from person to person. The government of Hong Kong ordered the death of all poultry--1.5 million birds. This decisive action is believed to have prevented an epidemic and numerous deaths.

    Precautions With Strawberry Finches

    • Owners of strawberry finches are not likely to be stricken with the Asian flu virus unless their birds have came in contact with an infected source. Birds smuggled into the country illegally may transmit the disease. Always wear nose and mouth protection and rubber gloves when handling birds or cleaning cages and feeding equipment.