Neighbor Claims my chickens have given her husband Histoplasmosis

[Henriettamom919]

H. capsulatum fungus is already present in the soil, and grows in the droppings...according to the CDC the spores can be carried on wings, feet, and beaks, and carried on the wind. My little grandkids aren't allowed to clean the chicken area. I'm not sure how, but none of us ever contracted any diseases after having animals our entire lives.

CDC link: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hi97146.html

I'd ask for actual doctor paperwork, diagnosing from WedMD is a incredibly dumb thing to do... it always tell you that you're going to die or something even if you have a minor cold. I would get a vet involved, I would also start looking for lawyers in case she's crazy enough to bring legal action against you. I'm in shock that some people are this uneducated, but it's kind of how the world runs now... Everyone is looking to cause drama or get money.

Get a notebook and time/date everything. It'll help you on the long run with someone like her. I wouldn't move anything to be honest, sounds like her panties are in a twist about you having chickens so she's trying to do anything to get rid of them

This is exactly what I would do. I agree, she just being a cranky old *B* and wants you to get rid of the chickens.

Unless she's taking active steps to prevent wild birds from entering her yard and never visits parks/homes with wild birds and bird feeders there is NO.WAY she can know how he got it (assuming he even has it )!!!

 

[Maddmim]

I was incorrect, I misunderstood her. Her husband had it as a child and went to the dr today for lung issues so they fear he will get it again. They were sent home with the paperwork... so he does not have it, he has lung issues.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Then get her some stats on wild bird transmitting and a fact sheet on birds as young as yours carrying/spreading the disease.

I still think she's building up towards something bigger. Do you live in a HOA?

 

[Maddmim]

I have part of her visit recorded in our ring doorbell. She appears a little off I feel she wants them gone and is making stuff up.

I really really do not want to move the coop, it’s in the best place is can be in our yard. It does butt up to the fence that borders her property though.

I will start documenting everything from here forward, I’m not rehoming my chickens, I haven’t even got to the joy of eggs! I also adore their sweet little faces!

 

[igorsMistress]

If you have homeowners or renters insurance you don't need a lawyer. Let her serve you with papers, then call claims. It's their job to defend you and pay under liability.

ETA based on your last post she has no grounds and is being a nuisance. Ignore her and don't move your coop. Just be sure you're following any ordinance about placement. Good luck!

 

[Maddmim]

Then get her some stats on wild bird transmitting and a fact sheet on birds as young as yours carrying/spreading the disease.

I still think she's building up towards something bigger. Do you live in a HOA?

I don’t have an HOA, thankfully. That is a good idea. We also have a neighborhood avian/exotic vet I am going to contact tomorrow.

 

[chkva]

I have part of her visit recorded in our ring doorbell. She appears a little off I feel she wants them gone and is making stuff up.

I really really do not want to move the coop, it’s in the best place is can be in our yard. It does butt up to the fence that borders her property though.

I will start documenting everything from here forward, I’m not rehoming my chickens, I haven’t even got to the joy of eggs! I also adore their sweet little faces!

Don't stress... Seems like another person with either mental issues or social issues (because the world needs more people like this... NOT)

 

[Maddmim]

Document everything, including where you got your chicks. Were they vaccinated when you got them? They are too young and haven't been there long enough to do or cause anything. Your neighbor is off her rocker and needs a hobby. Tell her that her husband has no business in your yard kissing your chickens. Unfortunately, you can try to ignore someone like this but it will be like a constant pack of flies. Too bad she has gone around the neighborhood trying to turn all your other neighbors against you. Does she have a bird feeder in her yard? If so, take pictures of it and make sure you do so in such a way that the house can be identified with the feeder in full view. Some people should not have access to the internet.

Do not give her anything in the way of photos, documentation or anything else. Nothing. If she grills you, do not answer her questions. Dismiss her and ask that she stay on her property and off of yours. In the meantime ... Make positively sure that your chickens have no way, accidentally or otherwise, to get onto her property .. ever. If your fence is not high enough (at least 6 foot), make it higher even if it is with chicken wire or some other wire fencing. Chickens can fly to some extent and I have had mine go over a 6 foot stockade fence when something startled them.

I do not have a good view of her yard, we have a 6ft fence separating us. I may get a step stool and look haha. I have put chicken wire along the fence to prevent them from going through it, it was gappy in some areas.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I don’t have an HOA, thankfully. That is a good idea. We also have a neighborhood avian/exotic vet I am going to contact tomorrow.

Well, that's good! Can you see any bird feeders? I'm still concerned of her motive based on her going to ALL your neighbors BEFORE talking with you.

 

[Maddmim]

Well, that's good! Can you see any bird feeders? I'm still concerned of her motive based on her going to ALL your neighbors BEFORE talking with you.

Me too! It’s a dirty move, if she had general concern she would come to me first. This is literally the first time in the 2.5 years we’ve lived her she’s talked to us. We have a sign in our yard that says we welcome and love all our neighbors (summary) and she pointed that out “I see you love and care about your neighbors so please read this”

That pissed my husband off, haha.