Zoonoses or Zoonotic Disease Definition
Infectious diseases that can spread from animals to humans.
Symptoms of zoonotic bird diseases may include:
- Allergic reactions
- Nasal discharge or congestion
- Eye itching, tearing, redness or conjunctivitis
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, with or without vomiting
- Diarrhea or bloody diarrhea
- Frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, blood in urine
- Fever and/or chills
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue, malaise and/or muscle weakness
- Night sweats
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness
- Altered mental status
- Inflamed or enlarged lymph nodes
- Skin redness, warmth or swelling with red streaks
- Arthritis
- Swelling in the feet or legs
- Join pain, swelling or stiffness
- Seizures
- Infectious abortion
Risk
Wild and outdoor-housed birds are much more likely to carry infections than those raised and housed in a laboratory setting.
People become infected typically through inhalation of aerosolized dried bird droppings, dust, or other secretions. Other ways of contracting disease are through contact with unprotected cuts or abrasions on the hands or arms or accidental ingestion of fecal material.
There are increased risks to immunodeficient or immunosuppressed individuals, including pregnant women.
Allergic Reactions
Individuals with exposure to birds and avian environments may develop allergic reactions to birds. Up to 44% percent of individuals working with laboratory animals will develop an allergic reaction and 5-10 percent of individuals will develop asthma.
Exposure occurs through inhalation and contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Animal allergens may be present in dander, feathers, skin, urine, saliva, serum and any contaminated feed or bedding materials. Risk factors for developing an allergic reaction include history of previous allergies to animals.
The signs of an allergic reaction include nasal discharge and congestion, conjunctivitis, tearing and eye itching, skin redness, rash or hives and lower airway symptoms (coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath). Individuals with symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction related to a workplace allergen should report their concerns to their supervisor and consult a physician.
Avian Tuberculosis, Cryptococcus, Histoplasmosis, and Ornithosis/Psittacosis
Infection occurs through aerosolization and inhalation of dried bird droppings. Birds may not show any signs of illness.
Symptoms in people include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, stiff neck, headache, nausea and vomiting, pain or burning during urination, pain in the side or back. Infection in pregnant women has been associated with miscarriage.
Salmonellosis, Cryptosporidiosis, Campylobacteriosis, and E-coli
Infection occurs through contact with or accidental ingestion of fecal material. Birds infected with these diseases may have diarrhea and discolored droppings or may show no symptoms of disease.
Symptoms in people include diarrhea that is often bloody, stomach pain, and nausea, with or without vomiting, fever, and swelling in the feet or legs, trouble sleeping, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, headache, nausea, vomiting and confusion.
Erysipelas
Infection occurs through direct contact with animals, tissues and droppings. The risk of infection increases if persons have unprotected cuts or abrasions on their hands.
Symptoms in people include redness, swelling or warmth around the infected area, fatigue, fever/chills, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, joint and muscle pain, chest pain, swelling in legs, feet, or joints, joint pain, headache, irritability, weight loss, confusion or memory loss, seizures.
Revision History
07-2025 v.1