Parrot fever is otherwise known as chlamydia psittacosis. It’s an avian disease and might be passed on by other birds such as pigeons and turkeys. Unlike the name suggests, the disease isn’t only passed on by parrots. The bacterium chlamydia in parrot fever is not the same as the sexually transmitted chlamydia most people know about. The dander of an infected bird will contain spores of chlamydia psittacosis. These spores will be transmitted to its owner through inhalation. The feces of the bird will also contain the spores.

In birds, the symptoms of parrot fever include diarrhea and a lack of appetite. However, birds show no symptoms but still transmit the disease. Humans who contract parrot fever experience an illness much like pneumonia. Antibiotic treatment is needed. To prevent inhalation of the spores, clean the bird in a well-ventilated area or wear a mask. Wear gloves while cleaning the bird’s cage.