From the Guidelines
Birds can cause several lung diseases in humans, primarily through exposure to bird droppings, feathers, and secretions, with psittacosis being a significant concern, as it can be transmitted through inhalation of aerosolized particles from infected birds, as noted in 1. The most common bird-related lung diseases include hypersensitivity pneumonitis, specifically bird fancier's lung or bird breeder's lung, which occurs when a person develops an allergic reaction to avian proteins, and psittacosis, a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Some key points to consider:
- Psittacosis can be transmitted through exposure to pet psittacine birds, as well as free-ranging birds, including doves, pigeons, birds of prey, and shore birds, as indicated in 1.
- Infection with C. psittaci usually occurs when a person inhales the organism, which has been aerosolized from dried feces or respiratory secretions of infected birds, as noted in 1.
- Other means of exposure include mouth-to-beak contact and the handling of infected birds' plumage and tissues, as mentioned in 1.
- Prevention is crucial and includes wearing protective masks when cleaning bird cages, ensuring good ventilation in areas where birds are kept, and regular cleaning of bird habitats to minimize dust and dander, as recommended in 1.
- Treatment for psittacosis typically involves antibiotics, such as doxycycline (100mg twice daily for 10-14 days) or azithromycin (500mg on day one, then 250mg daily for 4 days) for those who cannot take doxycycline. Some measures to control the spread of psittacosis include:
- Isolating newly acquired birds for 30-45 days and testing or prophylactically treating them before adding them to a group, as suggested in 1.
- Practicing preventive husbandry, such as positioning cages to prevent the transfer of fecal matter, feathers, food, and other materials from one cage to another, and using solid-sided cages or barriers if cages are adjoining, as recommended in 1.
- Cleaning all cages, food bowls, and water bowls daily, and disinfecting them regularly, as noted in 1.
- Preventing the spread of infection by isolating birds requiring treatment, and thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting rooms and cages where infected birds were housed, as recommended in 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Psittacosis (ornithosis) caused by Chlamydia psittaci. The lung disease that birds can cause is Psittacosis (ornithosis), which is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci.
- Transmission: Although the drug label does not explicitly state how Psittacosis is transmitted, it is known that birds can transmit the disease to humans through their droppings or respiratory secretions.
- Treatment: The drug label indicates that doxycycline is effective in treating Psittacosis 2.
From the Research
Lung Diseases Caused by Birds
- Psittacosis: a respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which can be transmitted to humans through contact with infected bird droppings or respiratory secretions 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: an allergic reaction to bird antigens, such as those found in owl droppings or wild bird feathers 7
Transmission of Lung Diseases
- Psittacosis: transmitted through inhalation of infected bird droppings or respiratory secretions, often occurring in people who work with birds or have contact with infected birds 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: transmitted through inhalation of bird antigens, often occurring in people who work with birds or have contact with infected birds 7
Treatment of Lung Diseases
- Psittacosis: treated with antibiotics, such as azithromycin or doxycycline, and can be severe if left untreated 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: treated by avoiding exposure to the allergen and managing symptoms with medication, and can be severe if left untreated 7