Owning a bird

Birds can transmit an illness called psittacosis to humans. Symptoms of psittacosis include flu-like symptoms - chills, fever, loss of appetite, headache and cough.
Psittacosis is caught by breathing in dust that contains bird droppings or from a bite. It can last several weeks, and can occasionally be very serious.
While it can be caught from contact with any birds, the most common transmitters are the parrot family, which includes budgerigars.
If you have a fever or cough that persists, ensure that your doctor is aware that you own a bird or have come into contact with one, so that he can check you out for psittacosis.

Always keep your bird care clean.
When you do clean your bird cage, always wear gloves and a mask; it’s also best to use a wet cleaning method.
Ensure that you are very careful when disposing of bird droppings from the cage – bag them carefully and put them straight into the bin.
Never kiss – or allow your children to kiss – your bird.
It is better for your household environment is your bird is kept outside.

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include SA Government’s Parenting and Child Health

Last revised: Thursday, 19 June 2008

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

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