
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, May 7, 1994                   TAG: 9405090147
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WEYERS CAVE                                LENGTH: Short

DISEASE REPORTED IN WESTERN VA. BIRDS

An outbreak of a contagious bacterial disease in finches - believed to be chlamydiosis - has been reported by the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

Infected birds have been spotted across central and Western Virginia, said Ed Clark, the center's director.

Chlamydiosis is contagious to birds, cats and people. The disease - which is not the same as the venereal disease in humans by the same name - is spread by bird droppings and other discharges. Human symptoms include fever, headaches and respiratory infections. If left untreated, the disease can lead to pneumonia. Chlamydiosis, however, is not serious if treated, Clark said.

The infected birds have responded well to the antibiotic tetracycline, said Stuart Porter, director of veterinary services at the center.

The Wildlife Center advises people to disinfect bird bath and feeder areas that house finches or purple finches may have used.

|- TODD JACKSON

by CNB