Bird owners should be aware that although their pets might be highly intelligent and fun companions, they can sometimes carry germs that can make people sick. Although rare, germs from birds can cause a variety of illnesses in people, ranging from minor skin infections to serious illnesses.
What illnesses can humans get from birds?
Disease in humans may present as cellulitis, bacteremia, endocarditis, encephalitis, and arthritis. Ornithosis, also known as psittacosis, parrot fever and avian chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci and is found in parrots, parakeets, turkeys, geese, ducks, pigeons and other birds.
Can birds transmit viruses to humans?
Infected birds shed bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces. Human infections with bird flu viruses can happen when virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled.
Can I get sick from touching a bird?
You can get sick from touching a wild bird or something in its environment, such as a bird feeder or bird bath, and then touching your mouth or face with unwashed hands. Wild birds can carry Salmonella germs and still appear healthy and clean.
Can sick birds infect humans?
Psittacosis is an infectious disease usually spread to humans from infected birds in the parrot family. Birds in the parrot family, or psittacines, include parrots, macaws, budgerigars (parakeets or budgies), and cockatiels. Domestic turkeys and pigeons have also infected people.
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