By Danny Valentine, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
ST. PETERSBURG — State wildlife officials are monitoring the spread of a deadly and highly contagious disease affecting birds that was spotted in Pinellas County last week.
Exotic Newcastle Disease, which is harmless to humans except for minor skin irritation, was found in a cormorant at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary.
It's the only bird to contract the disease so far, said Sterling Ivey, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
The disease can jump from infected birds to domestic poultry and pet birds, such as parrots and parakeets, according to the department.
Officials urge people with pet birds or who visit aviary sanctuaries to be aware of the symptoms, including coughing, muscular tremors, drooping wings, paralysis, swelling of around the eyes or neck and eye or beak discharge.
Wildlife officials say people shouldn't handle sick ...
