Post by rt on Mar 28, 2006 19:59:26 GMT -5
So what does every body think about this bird flu scare? Ill say this when it hits the USA I think their is going to be some changes for the falconry community. I have heard in other countries that when a infected bird is found they destroy every bird in 1 mile radios and I also heard some falconry birds were killed. I don't know what our government will do, but in Alaska where they believe the flu will start they are spending millions to monitor the birds in that area. I hope they don't go to extremes and destroy every bird in a mile radios here in the USA hopefully they will quarantine our birds. I think one thing falconers need to address is ownership of birds, falconers don't own their birds the government does. If you pay 2000 dollars for a goshawk and the government says all falconry birds need to be released until the flu scare can be controlled then they have that right. I don't think that is right if you buy a CB bird it is yours period... I may be over reacting but we all know how people panic and bills and laws get passed in a hurry. If people start dying in the USA from this bird flu a birds life isn't going to be worth 2 cents. We have seen other bird related virus's such as west nile and the other form of bird flu that has been over here for a while now but I don't think this one is going to be the same and just blow over. Another fact is the government will pay when they have to destroy a farmers poultry flock so what about falconers birds do we get the same treatment how much is your red tail worth or your peregrine or do we get anything since they really don't belong to us anyways. I think we falconers need to step up and get this ownership matter resolved. I have heard from some people about why we shouldn't own the birds they believe that the CB birds will end up as pets in John Doe's yard. Here is what I think you still have to have a falconry permit to own raptors so what has changed?? Another thing I hear is (well they might stop the wild take) my answer is this why would they? we have plenty of wild raptors and we don't hurt the population so what is the point for them to stop the wild take. Once you fill out that form the bird should belong to you, doesn't that make sense? I hope this bird flu doesn't effect falconers in the least and Iam curious what NAFA says on the matter I believe they are getting ready to have a meeting on it. The good news is scientist are working on a vaccine for it so there is light at the end of the tunnel.