Monday, January 5, 2009

Health issues of Having Pet Birds; what should to know to reduce the risks

We all love to have pets, but sometimes we need to be cautious that we aren't causing ourselves more pain and suffering by having them.

First and foremost, when you have a pet bird or other animals such as birds in your backyard or farmhouse, you might run the risk of developing Aspergillosis. This comes from a fungus that can be established in compost piles or other areas where bird waste has composed. With your pet birds, there is little chance of getting Aspergillosis as long as you keep the cage clean, but if you have larger birds or if you have many birds on your home, there is a possibility that you could see an outbreak of Aspergillosis if you aren't cautious.

There are several signs of Aspergillosis that you should watch out for.

  • Since it is a general lung infection that comes from fungus, the clearest signs are going to be wheezing and coughing, as well as coughing up phlegm and an inability to breathe.
  • You also might find yourself disoriented, and confused, or with a high fever.

The best way to keep away from getting Aspergillosis or any other diseases is always to make sure that you are running hygienic and secure establishments. This is both for the humans as well as for the birds. You want to be sure that your animals are living in quarters that can be simply cleaned, and that are cleaned frequently, and you have to be sure that you dispose of the waste in a way that is not risky.

If you think that you or your family members have developed Aspergillosis you need to make sure that you see a doctor right away. There are various stages to the sickness, and the sooner you catch it the better you are going to be. You should always be sure that you are notifying your doctor about what is on your belongings and what you might have come into contact with as well.