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Pet birds and risks of respiratory disease in Australia: a review |
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| Authors: | Jessica Gorman Angus Cook Chantal Ferguson Paul van Buynder Stan Fenwick Philip Weinstein |
| Affiliation: | School of Population Health, University of Western Australia;School of Population Health, University of Western Australia and Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australian Department of Health;Communicable Disease Control Directorate, Western Australian Department of Health;School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Murdoch University, Western Australia;School of Population Health, University of Western Australia |
| Abstract: | Objective: Exposure to birds has long been associated with disease in humans. Three respiratory diseases (psittacosis, allergic alveolitis and asthma) were reviewed in association with pet bird ownership with the aim to clarify the spectrum of avian-related respiratory illnesses. Approach: Nineteen studies were selected for review based on recreational bird exposure in relation to psittacosis, allergic alveolitis and asthma. Conclusion: Literature reveals little consensus on the relationship between pet bird ownership and respiratory illness. Implications: Future studies should aim to clarify the spectrum of avian-related illnesses, and to direct the dissemination of public health information to clinicians and members of the public who keep birds as pets. |
| Keywords: | Psittacosis allergic alveolitis asthma recreational bird ownership |