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Overview
Psittacosis spreads from bird droppings.
It can cause pneumonia.
When to get medical care
Call 911Trouble breathing.
Get care todayFever and cough after bird contact.
See a doctor soonOngoing cough.
Causes
Caused by Chlamydia psittaci.
OwieClear has pages on 1 condition that can cause fever or cough after contact with pet birds. Each shows how soon to get care.
Common causes
- Parrot fever (psittacosis)See a doctor if it doesn't get better
A lung infection spread by pet birds like parrots, parakeets, and cockatiels, or pigeons.
What you can do at home
- Tell your provider about birds.
Medicines
Doxycycline treats it.
At the doctor
Tests confirm it.
Questions you may be asked
- Bird exposure
The exam
A lung exam.
Tests
- Chest X-ray
- Blood tests
Prevention
Lower risk.
- Clean cages carefully
Check your symptoms
Most symptoms have more than one possible cause. The symptom checker looks at all of your symptoms together, plus your age, and shows how soon to get care.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.