Stay healthy: Essential tips for Arizona bird owners
Parrot fever case confirmed in Arizona bird flock. Health officials warn bird owners about prevention measures as infection risk rises from wild to pet birds.
Arizona health officials are raising awareness about psittacosis, commonly known as “parrot fever,” after confirming a case in a pet bird breeding flock in Pima County. This bacterial infection, which can spread from birds to humans, requires bird owners to take specific precautions to protect both themselves and their feathered companions.
The infection is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci and primarily affects birds in the parrot family, including lovebirds, parakeets, and cockatiels, as well as poultry like turkeys and chickens. Wild lovebird populations in Arizona have tested positive for the bacteria, putting outdoor pet birds at particular risk of exposure.
Understanding transmission and symptoms
Humans typically contract psittacosis by inhaling airborne particles from infected birds’ droppings or respiratory secretions. Less common transmission routes include mouth-to-beak contact and bird bites. While most human cases are mild, the infection can develop into severe pneumonia in some individuals.
Common symptoms in humans include:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Essential prevention measures
To minimize infection risk when handling birds or cleaning their environments, health officials recommend:
- Using appropriate personal protective equipment including masks, face shields or goggles, and gloves
- Properly disinfecting bird bedding materials
- Practicing thorough hand hygiene after any contact with birds or their habitats
Veterinary professionals and bird owners face higher exposure risks, while immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to developing serious illness if infected.
The health department advises those considering bird ownership to purchase pets only from reputable sellers offering health guarantees. Anyone who has recently acquired a bird showing signs of illness should consult a veterinarian about testing for C. psittaci.
For additional information about preventing psittacosis, visit the CDC’s prevention guidelines.
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