Question:A family friend is coming to spend the week at my house and she just got a kidney transplant 6 months ago and is on immunosuppressants. People on these drugs are told not to have birds as pets because of the diseases they carry. I have 4 birds including a duck in the part of the house she is staying in and they have all been tested for diseases and have come up clean. I can't move the birds into the other part of the house because they fight with the birds over there. I've disinfected all the cages and everything including mopped with disinfectant. What more can I do to keep my friend from getting sick?
Answers:
First of all, moping the house in disenfectant was harmful for the birds. No cleaning products around birds--use Apple Cider Vinegar---kills all germs and bacteria.
If your birds have been tested and are disease free then she should have nothing to worry about. And if she has been on the immunosuppressants for 6 months she should be fine. Most people should worry about giving things such as colds and flus to the the birds and doing more harm to them. Just keep the cages extra clean (with ACV and water), keep the poopy papers to a minimum and enjoy your visit with your friend.
I think that no matter how scrupulously clean you are and careful, you are still taking a small - but real risk. There is a line from the movie 'Karate Kid' ... The best way to avoid a fight is ... 'no be there'. Best way to avoid a possible problem ... remove the source.
Accually, it is the dust on the birds, their dander that bothers the immunosupressed. She may have issues and need to stay in a hotel.
ETA:
Yes, the dander travels throughout the house. Unless her doctors say that she can safely stay there, don't risk it. My friend with a kidney transplant does not come in our house, even for a few minutes because the danger is that real.
You sound like a very caring friend.I can certainly understand your concern.I have to say I agree with Christie on this one.Their dander is always going to be in the air.Even though your birds have tested negative for anything contagious It would probably be better for her to stay in a hotel where there are no pets.Why take the chance that something will happen? Good Luck.
Is there any way that you could move your birds to a friend's house, or into the garage?
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