Don't handle any sick bird. Imported psittacine birds must be treated for 45 days with feed that contains chlortetracycline. This eliminates the organisms from the birds' blood and feces. Your own observation of symptoms. Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Diagnosis is suggested by symptoms and history of exposure to birds.
Firm diagnosis is determined by recovery of the organism from mice, eggs or tissue culture inoculated with the patient's blood or sputum. Fever may remain for 2 or 3 weeks before falling slowly, unless antibiotics are used. Clean humidifier daily. Use a heating pad or warm, moist compresses on the chest to relieve pain. Don't suppress the cough if it produces sputum.