JAMES HARRIS, DVM
African greys not immune to West Nile Virus
 We were told by a university veterinary medical department that because our parrot is an African grey, he has a built-in immunity to West Nile Virus. Can this be true?
-- Bob Burrows, b.burrows@shaw.ca
 Some species of birds are very susceptible to West Nile Virus, some are only moderately vulnerable, and some may be completely unaffected (at least until the virus mutates). Parrots, including African greys, fall into the second category; overall, they seem to have only a slight risk of contracting West Nile Virus, unlike crows and birds of prey, which are extremely susceptible. But do African greys enjoy any special protection because they are African greys? No. The only way any creature develops an immunity to a disease is by coming into contact with it and producing antibodies that fight it. We know from the presence of these antibodies that the individual has been exposed to a particular disease. West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes, also can sicken humans and horses. So far there is a vaccine available only for horses, but researchers are working on vaccines for people and birds.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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