SHERMAN OAKS : Bird Auction to Aid Parrot Disease Study

This auction’s for the birds. At least that’s how it will be Saturday in Sherman Oaks when an exotic bird auction is held to raise money for research on a deadly parrot disease.

The third annual event will auction off birds such as princess parrots, orange-cheeked finches and barrabands. Nearly 40 birds will be displayed for view, and bidders may inspect the animals before purchase.

Last year’s auction raised more than $4,000, twice as much as the year before. Funds raised from the event will go toward research of psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD), a deadly virus that afflicts nearly 10% of household parrots in the United States.

PBFD affects birds the way AIDS affects humans, according to a biologist affiliated with West Valley Bird Society, sponsor of the auction.

Half the proceeds will be donated to the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, where Dr. Branson Ritchie and a team of researchers are currently working on a vaccine. For the past year, Ritchie has been developing a test to determine if a bird has been exposed to PBFD.

He said the disease is transmitted through feather dust and is contagious through human contact or air. Humans cannot be infected.

The remaining funds will help support conservation of the great green macaw, an endangered species that lives in both Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

Artwork, literature and bird cages will also be available. The auction will begin at 11 a.m. at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Citizens Center, 5040 Van Nuys Blvd.