Can you get diseases from birds?

Birds are beautiful creatures with stunning plumage, varied shapes and sizes. They can be found across the globe in different habitats – forests, water bodies, cities and even in your backyard. Have you ever wondered whether we can catch diseases from birds? In this article, we will look into some bird-borne diseases that humans should stay wary of.

Spread Of Bird Diseases

Several types of bird-borne infections commonly affect people or other animals that come into contact with them. These conditions arise either directly through contact with infected birds or indirectly via parasites:

Direct Transmission

When humans come in touch with an infected bird’s blood, feces or saliva by injuries on their skin; contracting a disease is possible.

Indirect Transmission

The indirect transmission is more common than direct transfer when it comes to zoonotic or avian diseases transmitted by vectors, such as ticks and mosquitoes to people or pets from perching wild birds.

Finches Fever- Psittacosis

Finches Fever– doesn’t this sound like something out of Harry Potter? But no! It exists in the real world! The scientific name for finch fever is Psittacosis, which typically occurs when someone inhales bacteria (Chlamydia psittaci) present in dust particles contaminated by affected birds’ droppings or surfaces they inhabituate Hefty fine up-to $10K + imprisonment could be stipulated if not disclosing pet’s illness leading others being sicked due to unawareness.

One may develop high fevers, severe headaches and loss of appetite after getting infected (Do not fear; antibiotics have been effective against the infection!)

Remember: A question often asked – “Can I contract a disease just by touching a bird?” Lucky us- evidence shows risk associated with handling domesticated fowl very low!

Now let’ find out some other ways to avoid bird-borne diseases via our feathery friends.

Bird To Human Illnesses

Several viruses and diseases are passed on from birds (mainly poultry) to humans, the most significant of which are:

Avian Influenza

Avian influenza/(bird flu), is an infection in domesticated or wild animals caused by avian influenza virus types A, B and C. It spreads through contact with infected surfaces – cages, food and water troughs, shoes worn into a barn can also carry the virus out! Symptoms range from mild conjunctivitis/runny nose to severe pneumonia that could lead to demise (not hilariously funny situations however).

Newcastle Disease

Newcastle disease/fowl pest is named after Great Britain’s town where it was first identified in 1926. Problematic for pet lovers as symptoms may not show immediately!! After infection by already affected birds it takes time for signs such as swelling around eyes/wings/limbs/nervous system issues and respiratory problems emerges!

Some other common bird transmitted maladies you should keep an eye out for are:

  • Candidiasis
  • Pompholyx
  • Histoplasmosis
  • Cryptococcosis

However don’t get scared just yet – let’s see what precautions we need take before contacting birds!

Precautions Against Contracting Bird-Borne Diseases

The risks of bird transmitted illnesses can be reduced (of course entirely cannot all be eliminated – must bear this point in your mind!) by taking certain precautions listed below:

  1. Keep pets separated
  2. Gloves + hygiene practices during interaction with exotic /wildlife species
  3. Regulating moving items/clothes not hygienically clean into perching places frequented by fowls
  4. Good ventilation systems outside chicken coops/barn yards preventing fungus buildups!
  5. Prophylactic medication

“But what if my work includes the handling of birds?” we hear you ask.

Farmworkers, birdwatchers and veterinarians must take extra care to prevent getting any infections:

Safe Work Practices

  1. Vaccination
  2. Wear protective clothing
  3. Proper hand cleanliness using antibiotics soaps after handling flocks/infected feathers
  4. Maintaining space to keep apart from infectious maladies

Now that we’ve looked into all precautions needed let’s see how laughter therapy can help cut down risks involved in contracting illnesses through direct contact with affected domestic poultry winks

Laugh Them Away!

Research shows that laughter therapy (yes, this is a real field of research!) helps patients recover faster! Studies reveal quite funny things – our humor has positive effects on cheerfulness and significantly contributes in minimizing stress related hormones making it easier for body’s fighting abilities against diseases especially those contracted from animals.

But don’t get us wrong; please don’t assume one should shouldn’t follow hygiene issues or taking vaccinations administered regularly within timeframes just because they indulge themselves laughing their as off!! Though there are no proven scientific studies showcasing % ratio against bird transmitted-maladies while under laughs; however research relevantly points towards proper sleeping/eating habits along with regular preventative measures do render benefits in strengthening immunity!

Remember: Prevention is better than cure; make sure to adopt every measure proposed by professionals concerned about zoonotic diseases’ prevention!

Importance Of Humor During Pandemic!!!

Last but not the least why being happy matters during pandemic? Especially when social distancing still strictly recommended

Humour + Lightheartedness = Increase Happiness & Reduce Anxiety

In conclusion yes, humans can contract illnesses due to bird species (birds transmitting bacteria/viruses/pathological illness producing fungi living around perching places frequented by them) including country pets (keeping chickens/turkeys/ducks) but relaxing, laughing and maintaining good living surely helps!

Laugh it out & be safe!

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