AVIAN DISEASES TRANSMISSIBLE TO HUMANS

摘要

Bird-keepers (pet bird owners and poultry producers) should be aware that some avian diseases can be transmitted to humans. It is important to note, however, that such diseases are uncommon enough that'they should not discourage bird-keeping. For mostpeople avian diseases do not pose a serious threat, but bird-keepers should be aware of them and seek medical assistance if necessary. Zoonoses refer to infectious animal diseases that are communicable to humans. The infectious agents can be protozoal,fungal, bacterial, chlamy-dial or viral. Individual susceptibility and the seriousness of these various microbial infections varies with age, health status, immune status (immunodeficient or immunosuppressed), and whether early therapeutic intervention is sought. The ability of a microorganism to make a person sick varies with the virulence of the organism, the dose to which the person is exposed, as well as route of infection.