Psittacosis

People get psittacosis by breathing in dust from dried droppings of infected birds, so bird owners and pet store workers are at special risk. Though it's commonly called parrot fever, psittacosis can also be spread by pigeons, ducks, turkeys, and other birds. The illness typically lasts one to three weeks, with symptoms including fever, chills, diarrhea, and dry cough. Not to worry, antibiotics can cure man and bird alike.

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