Bird Diseases

Histoplasmosis

Description:  Histoplasmosis is a lung infection cased by inhaling the spores of the fungus, Histoplasma Capsulatum.

Cause: Humans can contract Hiptoplasmosis through inhaling mold spores.  Spores are often encountered in old or abandoned bird or bat roosts, especially those in damp or moist areas. Birds and bats do not carry this disease, but they are associated with it because their droppings enrich soil and promote the growth of the fungus.

Symptoms:  Flu like symptoms anywhere from 3 to 18 days after potential exposure.

Treatment:  Antifungal medication may be used. Seek medical attention immediately.

Psittacosis

Description: Psittacosis is an infectious disease transmitted via a bacteria called Chlamydophila psittaci.

Cause: Humans can get Psittacosis  from birds via the inhalation of dried bird droppings that contain the organism. The incubation period is from 6-19 days.

Symptoms:  Typical sysmptoms include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache and cough. Inflatmation of the heart, liver and nervous system can occur, with even fatal cases reported.

Treatment:  Antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline are often prescribed. Seek medical attention immediately. With proper treatment most people recover. Seek medical attention immediately.

West Nile Virus

Description: West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic arbovirus belonging to the genus Flavivirus.

Cause: Humans contract WNV through the bite of an infected mosquito and mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. The virus circulates in the mosquitoes’ blood and eventually gets into the mosquito’s salivary glands. When mosquitoes bite humans and animals, the virus then may be transmitted, may multiply and possibly cause illness.

Symptoms: Typical symptoms range from a slight fever, headache, swollen nodes and conjunctivitis (irritation of the eye) or rash, to the rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, and muscle weakness. It can also cause a serious disease that affects the brain called West Nile encephalitis. Symptoms generally occur 3 to 15 days following the bite of an infected mosquito.

Treatment: There is no specific treatment for West Nile disease. In more severe cases, intensive supportive therapy – hospitalization, intravenous (IV) fluids or assistance with breathing may be necessary.

Please note, The Bird Busters^® highly recommends our Decontamination and Sanitization Services for most bat and bird infestation removal circumstances, especially when bats or birds have been residing in a dark moist place within your commercial or residential property ( i.e. attic, soffits, warehouse rafters, salt domes).