Avian health alert - Louisianan

[danmcq]

From Dr Tom Tully:

 

We are seeing a hatch of the southern buffalo gnat. These gnats have a very toxic bite and we have had a number of deaths

associated with the bites starting at the end of last week. Please let everyone know that this is a very serious problem for

outdoor aviaries and will cause serious problems to birds even deaths. It appears regular screen will keep the gnats out.

 

Birds that are affected will appear depressed and especially with macaws will have swollen red face patches where there are

no feathers. This appears to be a problem all along the Gulf coast. Please let everyone know that has birds.

 

Any questions please let me know.

 

Many thanks, Dr. Tully

 

Thomas N. Tully, Jr., DVM, MS

Diplomate ABVP (Avian), ECZM (Avian)

Professor Zoological Medicine

Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine

Dept. VCS

Skip Bertman Dr.

Baton Rouge, LA 70803

[Greywings]

Thank you for the information I will share it with my friends who live there.

[Luvparrots]

Thanks for the post Professor, I hope they put a lid on the problem before it moves any further.

[JillyBeanz]

I presume that you are keeping these to yourself over there in the states? I have my fingers crossed they can't fly and they can't swim! Look out for these over there, I don't want any bad reports x

[Greywings]

They can fly and are the size of Gnats I don't think they should make over the pond. Found out this morning that they are as far North as Illinois, so they are on the move. Scary stuff.