PARROT DISEASE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1930, Page 7

PARROT DISEASE

DANGER IN NEW ZEALAND

(By Telegraph—Press Association)

CHRISTCHURCH, April 5

Investigations are .being made by the Health Department to trace the ownership of parrots that were sold here during February by Mr P. V. Whitmore, some of them having belonged to a batch of Mexican green parrots brought to Auckland by Mr White from Nicaragua on January 3.1. The birds were brought to Christchurch for disposal, but only some were sold. Whitmore says that the birds which he sold were in excellent health and condition, and he does not fear that they have since contracted disease. Unsold parrots that were sent to Whitmore by White are not now in Whitmore’s possession. He believes- that they have been returned to Wanganui.

CHRISTCHURCH, April 7

Twenty-five out of twenty-six parrots of a shipment landed at Auckland from Nicaragua (Central America) on January 21. and sold a 1 Christchurch, have died. Dr T. Fletcher Telford states that the birds died of psittacosis (parrot fever). The twenty-sixth 'bird is still untraced

Dr Telford states that eighteen of the dead parrots have boen incinerated. The others were buried. Most of the deaths occurred a fortnight ago, If no outbreak of. the disease occurs within ten days, Dr Telford believes that the danger should have passed No case of the disease has yet been known in New Zealand. The Medical Officer of Health ai Wellington. Dr T. H. •Ritchie, having received information that some parrots had died lot Wanganui, proceeded there to investigate. ' It was found that a dealer arrived at Auckland on January 21, with 75 Mexican parrot? from Nicaragua;.. Twelve of these were sent to a Wanganui bird fancier and a week or. two later two of. these were returned to the bird dealer ill Auckland, and another bird was taken away from Wanganui. Nine birds? therefore remained at Wanganui, hut they all sickened and died hetweei the end. of . January and March 23. Fortunately none of • the birds had been in contact with any other birds' on the premises, and no parrots oi love birds had been sold hv the '"Wanganui fancier since the nine parrots arrived. - ,

The Department has received information that a Wellington bird fancier acted as New Zealand agent for an importer and that he received about 31 birds. Seme of the birds in consignment died in transit- to Wellington. Only two 'birds were sold locally, and one of these died. The balance of 31 were taken on to Christchurch by an importer for disposal there, The Department telegraphed Christchurch giving insiructions for enquiries to be made iu that quarter.

The 'body of one bird that died at Auckland, was forwarded to Dr GiliTiour, bacteriologist of Auckland Hospital, Dr Gilmour’s examination proved negative.. In view of the serious fact that psittacosis itself can be conveyed to human beings, with even fatal results, the Department warns dealers or private persons who have recently bought parrots that if the birds arc ailing they should be immediately destroyed. In the case of healthy birds, handling and mouth to mouth feeding should ho avoided, On the other hand, as regards domestic parrots generally which have been in New Zealand over a consSitk'iralble (period, and have not been brought into contact with recent arrivals, there is no reason for tour, but such practices as mouth to mouth feeding and intimate handling should be avoided.

PARROT’S DEATH

CHRISTCHURCH, April 7

Twenty-five of twenty-six Mexican green parrots sold in Christchurch since February are dead. The Healtli officer states they died from psittacosis The remaining bird is untraced.

As a chap grows older many things he formerly prized lose their appeal. But there’s one thing he rarely tires of his pipe. Indeed as a rule the older a man grows the more indispensable his pipe becomes to him. Of course non-smokers will laugh. , But what does the man who doesn’t smoke (usually because lie can’t) know of the joys of smoking? Tobacco is often condemned, yet it is harmless enough so long as it is not loaded with nicotine, as the imported brands mostly are. Is there any really pure tobaeso? Yes! The New Zealand are renowned for their purity. You see they are all toasted. Hence their wonderful flavour and • • delightful aroma. And toasting does more than that. It gets rid of the nicotine in the leaf and renders the tobacco perfectly harmless—something that cannot be said of any imported brand. There are several varieties of those fine tobaccos—all of them “best Seilers’*—special favourites being Riverhead Gold, Cavendish. Cut Plug No. 10, and Navy Cut. —Advt.