Screamer-bird Sickness Condition in Journals of Yesteryear | World Anvil

Screamer-bird Sickness

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Overview

When a migratory floating island drifted off course and landed in the picturesque fields of Zendu three generations ago, no one expected the screamer-birds inhabiting it to be carrying a deadly avian flu. The Plague Island Disaster is still fresh in the minds of many Zendian people.   The disease quickly spread to the local wildlife and soon infected rural-dwelling loran folk. As a people with avian heritage they were the first to catch the screamer-bird sickness, but within a few months the disease spread to other folk types.   It caused thousands of deaths across Zendu and its neighbouring countries, Kambara and Galimar, with lorans being the most affected by the disease.  

Safety measures

Zendu introduced strict but temporary laws to prevent the disease from developing further, and thanks to these measures the country was able to get the sickness under control.  
All loran folk must strictly remain indoors, regardless of health. The following activities are hereby prohibited until further notice to stop the spread of the screamer-bird sickness:
  • consumption of bird meat
  • raising of poultry livestock
  • keeping of messenger birds or pets
  • All owned birds must be culled immediately without exception.
    — Official notice
     

    New understandings

    It was observed that infected loran folk gain a distinct pattern of neck feathers that lose colour (either partially or completely) as an immune response. When any change in plumage appears, folks now know to stay isolated until they're healthy again. Further medical research has led to the discovery of different patterns presenting for milder diseases.  

    Present day impact

    Even today, poultry and bird meat is significantly less popular than it used to be just three generations ago, and tame pet birds are considered a taboo by most people in the region. In Goldbrook, sightings of a thief allied with crows has made people uneasy and fearful of another outbreak.
    Contents
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    Viral
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    Cover image: Zendu field by TJ Trewin

    Comments

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    Jul 2, 2024 11:46 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

    Not the pet birds :( :( :(   I can see why people would still be wary even several generations down the line.

    Jul 2, 2024 15:53 by jyliet of the house

    Poor pet birds indeed. :( But glad to see that the situation is more controlled now and people are safer.

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