IMPORTANT NOTICE
How the Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) Epidemic
is impacting The Oasis Sanctuary
As of today (February 8, 2003) The Oasis Sanctuary and Cochise County, where we are located in southeastern Arizona, are free of contagion. To date not one parrot or companion bird anywhere in the country has tested positive for END. Nonetheless, for the last month, in addition to all normal and intensive testing procedures already in place, incoming birds have been tested for END. The birds at The Oasis are safe and healthy. We intend to take every precaution to keep these beloved animals safe.
The END outbreak, which began in California in September 2002, now has encompassed most of southern California, parts of southern Nevada and western Arizona. The three counties on the far western border of Arizona which have been quarantined are as far from us as possible. Two flocks of poultry in that area have been found to be infected with END.
After reading through all the available literature and speaking with Veterinarians, The Board of Directors and Staff of The Oasis Sanctuary have come to a very hard decision. For the remainder of the epidemic, The Oasis Sanctuary will not be accepting any more birds. If a bird has been Willed to the Oasis, or if you know of any birds needing immediate placement, please contact us. We will make provisions to either foster the bird or place it with another Sanctuary or Adoption program.
Furthermore, until the disease outbreak is under control and the state mandated quarantines are lifted, we are regretfully closing our doors to any and all visitors. Aside from the obvious contact of one sick animal to another, this virus is spread by people - on their clothing, on their cars and trucks. END is a highly contagious and hard-to-kill virus. Exceptions to this no-visitor policy are our medical staff, who will continue to visit to ensure the continuing health of our flock. We enjoy the visits from our supporters, and look forward to being able to schedule appointments again in the future.
Additionally, as much as our birds love the toys and food gifts our generous donors send, we must also ask that for the duration of the END outbreak that you please do not send any packages to The Sanctuary. We cannot be certain that trucks and packages are not in contact with other items from the contaminated areas. The Oasis birds will all be looking forward to receiving your gifts again when this is over.
Biosecurity controls are being instituted, including foot baths and secondary over-garments. No delivery vehicles or vehicles from anyone other than an Oasis staff member will be allowed on the property. We are taking this situation and our responsibilities to the lives entrusted to us very seriously.
Please visit our
END Links
page which we will be updating periodically.
Thank you all for your understanding and ongoing support.
Sybil Erden, Executive Director
On Behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors of
The Oasis Sanctuary
P.S. If you wish to keep yourself updated on the END epidemic, please visit our
END Links page.
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Last Modified: April 25, 2008 17:23 MST
