The species of birds maintained at UCSF are usually docile animals. Psittacosis is a disease caused by the bacteria, Chlamydia psittaci . Psittacosis is common in wild birds of all types and can occur in laboratory bird colonies as well. Serious cases can result in extensive pneumonia, hepatitis, myocarditis, thrombophlebitis, and encephalitis. It is responsive to antibiotic therapy.
Relapses occur in untreated infections.
Avian Tuberculosis caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium avium , and Newcastle disease, caused by a paramyxovirus, both pose a potential hazard, although both diseases are more closely associated with chickens and wild birds. As in other species, Salmonella , and other enteric pathogens can cause disease in humans. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a lung condition with symptoms that mimic pneumonia. Symptoms develop after repeated exposure to a specific antigen found in birds. Signs of an allergic reaction after exposure to birds are rhinitis and asthma symptoms.