With all the hoopla over bird flu just wondering if parents are hesitant to have performers producing live animals that may or may not be touched by children. Have a nice day.

It has never been an issue and to date still isn't for us. I think most people realize that there is far more hype than danger involved.

All the best,

Rob

No issues here...yet.

Haven't had the problem yet. I have had some people mention it, but if you keep your doves and animals updated at the vet, just carry along with you the "clean bill of health" and it will eliminate any questions. RJE is right though - it's more hype here in the states than anything else right now. (The news needs something to talk about.)

As a matter of fact, in my experience, using live animals sometimes turns out to be an easy applause-getter. (and that is kind of an unfortunate thing when used as a crutch). But this also means that most people instantly love it. Parents included.

Just did shows in DC and folks who knew I just flew in from Germany asked if I brought the birds with me from Europe. (I am out here in Europe about 6 months out of the year.) I actually borrowed birds from a fantastic magician in DC. So there is a bit of concern.

Here in Germany I am required by law to keep them in an enclosed environment since the outbreaks of bird flu. They actually live in my magic studio aviary and have never lived outside.

So people are *thinking* about the bird issues, but so far it seems not to me such a problem. I will let you know how my upcoming European shows go regarding bird flu phobia.

We get a lot of questions about this for two reasons:

1. Lucy and I both do stage dove magic

but especially because

2. Lucy is also a physician.

It has only contributed conversation so far. Lucy is not convinced that there is creditable proof that this is in fact transmitted from humans to humans. There have been other vehicles for transmission. Bird to bird transmission is not the same as bird to human transmission nor is it human to others transmission.

Life is full of surprises. Magic is too!

Bob Sanders
Magic By Sander