Are birds bad for lungs

[Starstreams]

Hi,
My boss told me that he read something that birds were very bad for people’s lungs. I’m guessing it would be from the droppings drying out and turning into air born dust. This is the second time he says that he has read this. But then again I don’t think he links birds.
Has anyone else heard of such a crazy story?
If this story is true I would think it would be caused more from people not cleaning their cage regularly.

[Finnysmommie]

I have never heard that. My husband has athsma and we have 2 birds. He does not seem to have an issue with them at all... well he does not care to be pooped on but he is learning to live with it. :rofl:

Finnysmommie

[Robin VZ]

If you suffer from asthma or lung disease, birds may not be the healthiest pet to have. A lot depends too on how many birds you have and how much feather dust is produced. It's not just droppings you need to be aware of. Birds can also carry a disease that is harmful to humans. Psittacosis isn't terribly common but it's a possibility. Other pets we commonly keep are also capable of giving us problems. Keeping cages clean will keep both us and our birds healthier. On the whole, most people aren't bothered but if you're having symptoms, let your physician know you have pet birds when you seek a diagnosis.

[graushill]

I've heard about people who are allergic to feather dust and can develop respiratory problems as a result although this seems to be more of an issue with species such as cockatoos that tend to be very "dusty". Like Robin said, how many birds you have is an important factor. I currently have 6 lovies, and I can tell you there's a huge difference with respect to the amount of dust, dropped/molted feathers, seed hulls and general waste produced than when I only had 2.

You could tell your boss that while there are some diseases that may be transmitted between birds and humans, this is not at all a problem that is exclusive to birds. Cats, rabbits, dogs, you name it, have diseases that could potentially be transmitted to humans. Like you say, the care we take in keeping them healthy and happy and in clean surroundings makes all the difference in the world :).

Gloria

[Starstreams]

Ok, Thanks guys
I was just curious what others would say. I think if you do a good cleaning of the cage weekly it should be good.
But I see what you mean about them carrying diseases.

[Asue]

We had a cockatiel stay with us for several months. The cage had to be wiped down, the area around the cage, perches, food bowls, even the cage bars were wiped down on a weekly basis. - Recommend daily misting for these dusty species.

Dusty bird species create more dust. Cockatiels, Too's and such. But all birds give off dander/dust, just in different amounts. The number of birds also factors in.

People who breed birds or work with them in tight closed areas, or fail to have proper air circulation often suffer from what I've read to be called Bird Keeper's Lung. One lady who bred a dusty species and kept a BG macaw found that the dust affected her and her BG. She finally cut her breeder pair numbers down from almost 100plus birds to three pairs. Her BG developed allergies and she had to rehome it as well. :cry:

Mikey's a bit dusty, but daily bathing and bi-weekly cage cleaning/break down makes keeping the dust down too.