Psittacosis, << `siht` uh KOH sihs, >> is a contagious disease that is carried by some kinds of birds. The disease is also called parrot fever or ornithosis. Psittacosis occurs mostly in members of the parrot family, but is also found in pigeons and some poultry. Human beings can contract this disease by handling sick birds or infectious articles.
Psittacosis is caused by a type of bacteria called a rickettsia. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, chills, and high fever. Antibiotics will cure some cases, but serious infections can cause pneumonia or death. Because of this disease, the government forbids the importation of parrots into the United States without rigid inspection.
