SEA-DOO!

AT LAST!  During our first years of inception we spent a lot of time on shore trying to lure ducks and geese up onto land in order to safely remove them from dangerous waters. It often took weeks to complete a rescue and sadly some animals did not survive that long. A couple of years later, we received two kayak donations, which greatly improved our effectiveness in smaller bodies of water. And now--we finally have our own jet ski! This is going to make the impossible rescues possible!

We have borrowed jet skis in the past and within minutes we have rescued animals safely and effectively. We are thrilled to finally have this kind of rescue gear on hand here whenever we need it. This will enable us to act quickly and rescue quickly, saving more lives!

We will still be using our kayaks for smaller bodies of water and we will also continue to use them in combination with the jet ski. Kayaks are used to veer ducks and geese out into deeper water where the jet ski is effective. The kayaks prevent birds from trying to hide on shore.

This $250 purchase was made possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters, to the seller who dropped his price from $1000 for our charitable cause and especially to our dear, dear friend Uncle Lew who handled all of the negotiations involving this purchase and made the arrangements to have this vital rescue equipment delivered right to our sanctuary's barn door.

 Isabel climbs aboard our new Sea Doo which we have dubbed:  "The Sea Duck!"

Crocodile Stanley

Wishing belated well-wishes to Croc Stanley's new family who successfully treated "One-eyed Jack" for a prolapsed penis. Thank you for all your kind devotion in seeking out professional medical assistance that was vital to his recovery. Thank you also for doting over him and getting him on his feet again. Best wishes to Croc & Dolly!

Thank you also to Caroline for all of your loving guidance and for helping to keep Croc's belly full with tube feedings during his recovery.

Certified Humane Raised & Handled

Egg producers don't believe people are interested in purchasing eggs from humanely treated chickens. This is why they have not changed their ways. Chickens are one of the least protected farm animals and the only way to change this is to change the way you shop.

If you want to help send the message to egg producers that we want their birds treated humanely, then it is time to buy products labeled: Certified Humane Raised & Handled.

While shopping mindfully, be wary of: "Cage Free Eggs." The term Cage Free Eggs does not mean chickens are being treated humanely; in fact, they sometimes live in worse conditions than caged birds. 

Do your own research and look for the label:

Learn more here: www.certifiedhumane.com

Capillaria aerophilia (renamed: Eucoleus aerophilus) is very similar in appearance to a whipworm (Trichuris vulpis) and is found in the respiratory tract and transmitted from bird-to-bird through fecal exposure. It too can be introduced via the consumption of earthworms or naturally through drinking water in nature. As with C. plica, symptoms may not be apparent except in large infestations or in younger birds.

Symptoms:

C. plica infestations tend to be self-limiting and often do not have any noticeable symptoms. The number of eggs expelled often reduces daily and may self-resolve as the cycle ends. However, in severe cases, symptoms can include diarrhea and/or weight loss. Meanwhile, symptoms of C. aerophilia can include chronic coughing and in severe cases, pneumonia.

Because it is difficult to differentiate the different species of Capillaria, if a fecal test shows positive for the parasite, vets will assume your bird has C. aerophilia and prescribe treatment.

Diagnosis:  The presence of Capillaria can be confirmed by providing a stool sample to your vet for a fecal flotation to check for the presence of eggs. Although adult worms may be seen in the feces, with so many types of parasites out there, only a vet (or their lab) can determine exactly which kind of worms your bird has and then prescribe the appropriate treatment regime.

Treatment:

Treatment for both types of Capillaria is the same. Our vet prescribed a dose of 10 mg of fenbendazole (Panacur) for every 2.2 lb. that Jack Frost weighed. Liquid Panacur is ideal for measuring this small dosage.

We administered this dosage of liquid Panacur orally, once a day for 5 days. We waited two weeks during which time no treatment was administered. After the two weeks waiting period, we gave him one single and final dose of liquid Panacur. Three days after this second treatment, a follow-up fecal test should be done to ensure the eradication of this parasite.

If follow-up fecal testing reveals the infestation is not cleared up, a single dose of 200 micrograms of Ivermectin for every2.2 lbs of your bird's weight can be given orally to resolve the issue for good. This should be done under your vet's guidance as well.

Remember:

• Thoroughly clean infected pens and houses

• Remove contaminated soil

• Remove and replace any bedding (hay) every day throughout the entire treatment period. 

• Remove stools daily (at a minimum)

• Worms are vulnerable to sunlight and drying; use this knowledge to your advantage.

• For best results, after your birds are free of worms, remove them from the pen and turn over the infected soil to a depth of 8-12 inches. Seed new grass and allow it to grow in, giving the pen a few weeks resting period. When the grass is fully re-established, return your birds to the area.

Roundworms can be very contagious, so be sure to clean all tools, gear and equipment thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution and adhere to a strict quarantine routine until the problem is thoroughly resolved.

Keep in mind, Panacur effectively removes capillaria worms from your duck or goose's body, but it does not necessarily kill all stages of these parasites. It mostly helps your bird to expel them. Practice caution to avoid re-infection of your bird or spreading these roundworms to other pens and animals--or to humans.  

Prevention:

• Keep pens clean

• Ensure you have good drainage in your pens

• Avoid overcrowding your waterfowl

• Change the locations of their water buckets regularly

*Thanks again to Michele for helping us understand this parasite more thoroughly, interpreting test results, confirming treatment options and dosages, offering extremely helpful advice regarding quarantine considerations, providing emotional support, and finally, thank you for editing this article for us!

Veterinary Care

Dr. Brian Speer, DVM: Former President of the Avian Vet Association, Dr. Speer is a vet and expert surgeon, arguably one of the best in the country and is willing to consult directly with other veterinarians.

Medical Center for Birds
Brian Speer, DVM
3805 Main Street
Oakley CA 94561
(925) 625-1878
Email: avnvet@aol.com

Mobile Avian Surgical Services

Dr. Scott Echols, DVM: Dr. Echols is another top vet and surgeon.  He is currently working through Dr. Speer's office and will consult and provide mobile avian surgical services. At your expense, he will fly out to operate on your duck or goose.

Mobile Avian Surgical Services
Scott Echols, DVM
(925) 625-1878

30th Annual AAV Conference & Expo

Dr. Scott Echols, DVM will be including a segment on Duckology at this year's Annual Association of Avian Veterinarians Conference & Expo.

If you or any veterinarians you know are planning to attend this conference, please ask them to continue to encourage the inclusion of ducks and geese healthcare in their training!