Birds that are exposed to these bacteria spread the disease in their feces. People and other birds get sick by breathing in the air that has bacteria in it from the dry bird droppings. The bacteria are too small to see, but they can still make people and birds sick. People may also become sick after a bird bites, or touches a person's mouth with its beak, or contact with a bird's feathers. Sick birds may also spread disease through a runny nose and eyes.
Birds usually get sick from psittacosis.
They may also get ruffled feathers, eye or breathing problems, and their droppings may change in color or shape. Psittacosis in birds can be treated with antibiotics. If you think your bird has any of these symptoms, take it to a veterinarian right away. Some birds can seem healthy while carrying the disease, so it's important to have all new birds examined and tested by a veterinarian. People and Psittacosis Psittacosis in humans can be serious enough to cause pneumonia.