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The use of disinfectants can assist in
protecting our birds from bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. These
diseases can easily be spread between birds via dirty dishes, contaminated water
supplies, used toys or cages, or contact with hands and clothing.
Without following established disinfection
routines your bird can be exposed to a variety of disease causing and life
threatening organisms. Whenever you bring home a new bird not only
should they be quarantined but you should also disinfect all supplies that they
came home with. Extra special care should be taken open returning
home from bird shows where you can easily pick up disease causing agents and
bring them home on your hands, clothes or shoes.
First of all, it must be clarified that cleaning and disinfecting are
two completely different
processes. Cleaning removes dirt and most germs. However, after cleaning,
even though things might "look" clean, germs are still lurking around.
Disinfection is the process of killing germs.
Disinfectants are chemical agents that are registered with the EPA
and most disinfectants are not safe for birds. Careful choice of a
disinfecting agent is an absolute must.
AvianEnrichment
carries the only
disinfectant that has been specially formulated for avian use.
Pet
Focus is EPA certified effective against more than 50 pathogens including
those responsible for Exotic Newcastle's Disease, Psittacosis, Avian influenza,
Avian Polyoma, Klebsiella, E. Coli, Pseudomonas and more.
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) is an effective disinfectant, but it
also gives off chlorine gas which is a respiratory irritant. Bleach should
only be used when your birds are removed to a separate room in the house.
They should not be returned to their cage until it has dried completely and the
room has been well ventilated.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) is a non-toxic, natural
cleaner and anti-bacterial agent that can be safely used on food prep surfaces
and cages. GSE can be purchased at your local health food store or over
the internet and it is known to be effective against strep, staph, Chlamydia,
salmonella, E. Coli, influenza, parasites, fungi and several viruses.
Always read the labels and follow the
instructions when using a disinfectant.
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