Psittacosis is an infection caused by bacteria. This disease is also known as Ornithosis or Parrot Fever and is most commonly associated with pet birds.
Psittacosis spreads by breathing in droppings or respiratory secretions from infected birds. Person to person spread is rare. Parrot-type birds are the most often infected. Pigeons and doves, turkeys, chickens, and ducks can sometimes get the disease
Signs and Symptoms
- Fever and Chills
- Headache
- Muscle Aches
- Dry Cough
Psittacosis usually causes mild illness. Symptoms can also include pneumonia, which may require care in a hospital. Rarely, psittacosis can result in death. Symptoms usually start 5 to 14 days after exposure.
Prevention & Treatment
- Isolate new birds to your flock or home from all other birds for 30 days and observe for illness.
- Wear protective clothing such as gloves and masks when handling, feeding, or cleaning cages of infected birds.
- Use wet cleaning methods (rather than sweeping or vacuuming) and disinfecting when cleaning waste material.
- Antibiotics are used to treat the illness
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You can also call Maine CDC at 1-800-821-5821