I saw Jeff Bernthall on the Saturday evening news tonight so what does that mean?????????????
I just heard on the news that bird droppings can help your skin but I need to tell you that I caught Psittacosis from my own birds droppings. I had those birds for at least 7 years and got very sick. Here is what it is!
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Disease Listing > Psittacosis
Psittacosis
Disease Listing | General Information | Technical Information | Additional Information
Clinical Features
In humans, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. Pneumonia is often evident on chest x-ray.
Etiologic Agent
Chlamydia psittaci, a bacterium
Incidence
Since
1996, fewer than 50 confirmed cases were reported in the United States
each year. Many more cases may occur that are not correctly diagnosed
or reported.
Sequelae
Endocarditis,
hepatitis, and neurologic complications may occasionally occur. Severe
pneumonia requiring intensive-care support may also occur. Fatal cases
have been reported.
Transmission
Infection
is acquired by inhaling dried secretions from infected birds. The
incubation period is 5 to 19 days. Although all birds are susceptible,
pet birds (parrots, parakeets, macaws, and cockatiels) and poultry
(turkeys and ducks) are most frequently involved in transmission to
humans.
Risk Groups
Bird owners, pet shop employees, and veterinarians. Outbreaks of psittacosis in poultry processing plants have been reported.
Surveillance
Psittacosis is a reportable condition in most states.
Trends
Annual
incidence varies considerably because of periodic outbreaks. A decline
in reported cases since 1988 may be the result of improved diagnostic
tests that distinguish
C.psittaci from more common
C. pneumoniae infections.
Challenges
Diagnosis
of psittacosis can be difficult. Antibiotic treatment may prevent an
antibody response, thus limiting diagnosis by serologic methods.
Infected birds are often asymptomatic. Tracebacks of infected birds to
distributors and breeders often is not possible because of limited
regulation of the pet bird industry.
Opportunities
Characterize
new and rapid diagnostic tests for human and avian psittacosis, and
determine value of screening flocks for avian psittacosis to prevent
human infection.
