Pathfinder
Editor, Senior Moderator
ADPH issues precautionary notice to those who have visited Birmingham Zoo?s Lorikeet
Aviary in past 30 days
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dee W. Jones, D.V.M.
(334) 206-5969
The Alabama Department of Public Health is issuing a precautionary notice to any individuals
who have visited the Birmingham Zoo's Lorikeet Aviary in the past 30 days. The zoo performed
recent laboratory tests that confirmed several of the birds in the aviary were positive for a
bacterial disease known as psittacosis. The bacterium, Chlamydia psittaci, is an animal disease
which can sometimes be transmitted to humans.
Although human psittacosis is not common, infection is most likely to occur when there is direct
contact with infected birds or bird secretions. People with prolonged contact with the birds, such
as the aviary workers and caretakers, immune compromised or pregnant persons would be
considered the most at risk. The usual symptoms of psittacosis in humans include fever, chills,
headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough that can develop into pneumonia. These symptoms
and other less common, more severe symptoms usually occur 3-14 days following exposure,
but longer incubation periods do occur.
The aviary is now closed and will remain closed until the infection is controlled by treating the
sick birds, appropriate disinfection, and additional laboratory testing.
Persons who are experiencing or begin to experience any of the listed symptoms since visiting
the zoo within the past 30 days should seek medical attention. People seeking medical attention
should inform their medical provider of their bird exposure. For people showing no symptoms,
no medical treatment is necessary.
For more information on psittacosis or additional consultation about exposure contact the ADPH
Division of Epidemiology, 1-800-338-8374, or the Jefferson County Department of Health at
(205) 933-9110.
8/26/15
http://www.adph.org/news/assets/150826.pdf
http://www.adph.org/news/index.asp?id=5503
Aviary in past 30 days
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Dee W. Jones, D.V.M.
(334) 206-5969
The Alabama Department of Public Health is issuing a precautionary notice to any individuals
who have visited the Birmingham Zoo's Lorikeet Aviary in the past 30 days. The zoo performed
recent laboratory tests that confirmed several of the birds in the aviary were positive for a
bacterial disease known as psittacosis. The bacterium, Chlamydia psittaci, is an animal disease
which can sometimes be transmitted to humans.
Although human psittacosis is not common, infection is most likely to occur when there is direct
contact with infected birds or bird secretions. People with prolonged contact with the birds, such
as the aviary workers and caretakers, immune compromised or pregnant persons would be
considered the most at risk. The usual symptoms of psittacosis in humans include fever, chills,
headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough that can develop into pneumonia. These symptoms
and other less common, more severe symptoms usually occur 3-14 days following exposure,
but longer incubation periods do occur.
The aviary is now closed and will remain closed until the infection is controlled by treating the
sick birds, appropriate disinfection, and additional laboratory testing.
Persons who are experiencing or begin to experience any of the listed symptoms since visiting
the zoo within the past 30 days should seek medical attention. People seeking medical attention
should inform their medical provider of their bird exposure. For people showing no symptoms,
no medical treatment is necessary.
For more information on psittacosis or additional consultation about exposure contact the ADPH
Division of Epidemiology, 1-800-338-8374, or the Jefferson County Department of Health at
(205) 933-9110.
8/26/15
http://www.adph.org/news/assets/150826.pdf
http://www.adph.org/news/index.asp?id=5503