Avian Flu Threatens Parrot Refuge

A parrot sanctuary called For the Love of Parrots in Abbotsford, BC is fighting for its 400 avian residents in the wake of an outbreak of Avian Flu in the area. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has ordered the destruction of an estimated 19 million chickens and turkeys in British Columbia due to the bird flu, but the order calls for the destruction of all birds except house pets in the Fraser Valley region. The CFIA will look at non-poultry birds on a case by case basis, and it is up to the parrot santuary to show that their birds are not at risk. There is hope, since the CFIA has looked to the Netherlands for advice, where 30 million chickens were killed in a flu control program last year, but exotic birds were spared. Other bird owners are similarly looking for ways to fight the order, such as breeders of rare birds and racing pigeon owners. Related News items:
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