Fears of bird disease

By Tania Martin
A MONBULK doctor has warned residents against getting too friendly with parrots following a recent case of a bird-related flu.
Dr John Gruner said the flu, known as psittacosis, is a common ailment in the hills.
But he said, not many people know about it.
Dr Gruner said psittacosis was a form of pneumonia, which can be passed to people through wild birds’ dried droppings, feathers and secretions.
The condition can also be contracted by people feeding these birds.
A Health Department spokesman said it was especially common in the hills where people have bird feeders hanging from trees.
“People mow their lawns and dust from faeces can become airborne,” he said.
The psittacosis germ is found in the parrot family and is commonly referred to as ‘parrot fever.’
The spokesman said birds commonly found with the germ include budgerigars, lovebirds, parakeets, poultry and pigeons.
Dr Gruner said psittacosis was a common ailment in the hills and it was still surprising how few people know about of the condition.
“It’s an ongoing saga in the hills,” he said.
“Every couple of months we get a case and no one seems to know about it.”
Dr Gruner said people who are immune suppressed and the elderly are the most at risk.
Psittacosis normally presents itself as a flu-like fever, with headaches and upper respiratory problems.
Dr Gruner urges people who have been in close contact with wild birds and feel ‘crooker’ than usual to seek medical attention.
This warning comes after a long-time resident was last week diagnosed with a case of psittacosis.
According to the Health Department there have been 44 recorded cases in Victoria compared to 41 at the same time last year.
However, the spokesman said there was no cause for alarm.
He said it was important to let people know of the risks of dealing with wild birds.