Parrot fever, sometimes referred to as “psittacosis” or “chlamydiophila psittaci,” is a bacterial disease that can be passed from certain birds, like parrots and parakeets, to humans.

Signs and symptoms

Parrot fever typically causes only mild illness. The potential indicators of parrot fever are different for birds than they are for humans. The CDC notes that signs of parrot fever in birds are non-specific, and birds infected with the bacteria may exhibit no symptoms at all. If they do exhibit symptoms, they may include poor appetite, inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, and/or diarrhea.

Humans exposed to the bacteria behind parrot fever may begin developing symptoms within five to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms are fever and chills, headache, muscle aches, and dry cough. These symptoms also can be a result of other illnesses unrelated to birds, so bird owners should consult their physicians if any appear and inform their doctors that they have a bird at home. This may lead doctors to conduct tests designed to detect parrot fever.

Antibiotics are an effective and common treatment for birds and bird owners affected by parrot fever. And while infection is often mild and harmless, bird owners should keep an eye out for symptoms to ensure the health of their birds and themselves