Do This First
Whether you are new at racing homing pigeons, or if you are a veteran, there are a few simple considerations you should be aware of:
- Education - Be sure that you are aware of the allergies and the zoonotic diseases that exist. Do not develop the attitude, "It Will Not Happen To Me!"
- Equipment - Make certain that you use proper protective masks and clothing to be worn in the loft at ALL times!
- Symptoms - If you become ill with flu like symptoms after exposure, be aware that you may be among the growing number of Pigeon Fanciers with "Allergic Alveolitis" or "Extrinsic Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis."
- Shortness of Breath and Dry Cough - Might be one of the first indications that you have entered into the Acute Phase of "Alveolitis!" As long as you are still in the Acute Phase of this condition it is Reversible; Once it reaches the Chronic Phase it is Irreversible, and you will DIE from this condition!
- Molting Season and After the Racing Season -are the most likely times to acquire the condition!
- Over-Crowding - This is to be avoided, you are much more likely to contract an illness if your birds are living in overcrowded conditions!
- Ventilation - Proper ventilation in your loft is "Imperative!" I will not go into detail here; there are thousands of places where you can find this information.
- Young Birds - The prevalence of too many young birds at one time tilts the balance against you! Remember, you should put YOUR HEALTH above that of the BIRD'S!
- Humidity - Keep your loft as dry as possible, and keep droppings, dander, and feathers from piling up in your loft! Remember, it is the fine particles that cannot be seen with the naked eye that will kill you! Do not take on more birds than you can care for adequately!
- Medical Attention - If you suspect that you may have contracted "Allergic Alveolitis" or "Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis", do not put off going to the doctor! It is quite incredible to realize, but I could find NOTHING in the United States that is going on with Alveolitis from Pigeons with regard to research! If your doctor is uncertain where to get the information that he needs, PLEASE have him/her call Dr. Scot J. Snodgrass, M.D. at the Allergy Clinic, 311 E.Monroe Street, Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401. His telephone number is (870) 972-1667 and his FAX Number is (870) 972-0466. Do Not count on your doctor to be aware of this condition - Do Not be afraid to Suggest that Alveolitis should be tested for FIRST! This just might save your life!
Enjoy the sport of Pigeon Racing, but take care of yourself first! Do not count on someone else taking on the responsibility for your getting the proper information required for your Health and Safety! This is YOUR Responsibility, and Here is where you can get the Facts that you need without going through Months or Years of Suffering and Spending Tens of Thousands of Dollars to find out what YOU should KNOW!! Good Luck in the Sport, but BE CAREFUL!
Guy Stirling
SCOT JOSEPH SNODGRASS
Allergy Clinic, P.A.
311 E. Monroe
Jonesboro, Arkansas, 72401
Phone (870) 972-1667
PREMEDICAL
ARKANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
STATE UNIVERSITY, AR 72401
BS-ZOOLOGY
MEDICAL
UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS FOR MEDICAL SCIENCES
4301 W. MARKHAM
LITTLE ROCK, AR 72205
1983-1987
MEDICAL DOCTOR
INTERNSHIP
GENERAL PEDIATRICS
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE/LEBONHEUR
CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENTER
848 ADAMS
MEMPHIS, TN 38103
JULY 1987-JUNE 1988
RESIDENCY
GENERAL PEDIATRICS
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE/LEBONHEUR
CHILDRENS MEDICAL CENTER
848 ADAMS
MEMPHIS, TN 38103
JULY 1988-JUNE 1990
FELLOWSHIP
ALLERGY/CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
1502 KINGS HIGHWAY BOX 33932
SHREVEPORT, LA 71130
JANUARY 1992-DECEMBER 1993
CERTIFICATIONS
DIPLOMATE-AMERICAN BOARD OF PEDIATRICS-RECERTIFICATION FEBRUARY 2000
DIPLOMATE-AMERICAN BOARD OF ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
STAFF APPT
ASSISTANT CLINICAL PROFESSOR
DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
SBRMC, ARKANSAS HIGHER EDUCATION CONSORTIUM-NORTHEAST
JONESBORO, AR 72401
LICENSURE
ARKANSAS C-7330
OTHER
PRESIDENT-CRAIGHEAD POINSETT MEDICAL SOCIETY
RECOGNIZED-2000 ARKANSAS TIMES- BEST DOCTORS IN ARKANSAS
AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION PHYSICIAN
RECOGNITION AWARD RECIPIENT
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