Skip all navigation Skip to page navigation

DHHS Home | A-Z Site Map | Divisions | About Us | Contacts

NC Department of Health and Human Services
NC Division of Public Health
N.C. Public Health Home
 
 

Diseases & Topics

Psittacosis

Psittacosis is a bacterial disease carried by birds and transmitted to humans when they inhale dried secretions from infected birds. Although all birds are susceptible, pet birds (parrots, parakeets, macaws and cockatiels) and poultry (turkeys and ducks) are most frequently involved in transmission to humans. In people, the disease causes fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a dry cough, and often pneumonia. Complications and even death can occur.

For Additional Information

 

NCDHHS