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Birds + Zoonotic Diseases

  • COVID-19 is a viral respiratory disease of humans that was first discovered in late 2019. The illness is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which is a new coronavirus that has not previously been identified in humans. Certain animals can be infected by the COVID-19 virus, but it appears to be infrequent. Dogs and cats seldom show severe clinical illness if infected with COVID-19.

  • Chlamydiosis (psittacosis, parrot fever, ornithosis) is a common disease of birds caused by a bacterial organism. The disease can cause chronic infections, infections without visible symptoms, or sudden death. The disease can also be transmitted to people, but it is not associated with the venereal form of chlamydia.

  • The West Nile Virus (WNV) is transmitted by the bite of a mosquito that is infected with the virus. Birds are susceptible to the virus and can act as a host, though indigenous birds such as owls, hawks, eagles, crows, and jays appear to be most at risk in comparison to pet birds. There is no treatment once a bird is infected so prevention is of high importance.