The transmission of saliva and other wound detritus of parrots through broken skin can cause significant illness if left untreated. Psittacosis—known also as chlamydiosis, parrot fever and ornithosis—is caused by Clamydophilia psittaci which has an incidence of 40 % in all birds [2].
The National Center for Biotechnology Information cautions that you should thoroughly clean and closely watch minor abrasions and cuts for signs of infection, since bird bites and scratches can spread bacterial illnesses.
If the wound extends through the skin it is recommended that this be explored and thoroughly washed out by a qualified specialist, either in an emergency department or an operating theatre. Broad spectrum antibiotics are recommended, along with a tetanus booster if you are due for this.
Bites aren't only painful, but they can also be severe. While rare, parrot owners have lost eyes, fingers, and toes to their pet birds, while others have sustained traumatic injuries to their lips, ears, and noses.
Pet birds do not have teeth, but their beaks can still cause a lot of damage if they bite or attempt to bite you. Birds can also have very sharp nails and talons. Germs can spread from bird bites and scratches, even when the wound does not seem deep or serious. Always closely supervise children around birds.
Birds, snakes, and fish are not mammals, so they can´t get rabies and they can´t give it to you. In the United States today, about 93 of every 100 reported cases of rabies are in wild animals.
Chlamydia psittaci is a type of bacteria that often infects birds. Less commonly, these bacteria can infect people and cause a disease called psittacosis.
Psittacosis is an infectious disease usually spread to humans from infected birds in the parrot family. Birds in the parrot family, or psittacines, include parrots, macaws, budgerigars (parakeets or budgies), and cockatiels. Domestic turkeys and pigeons have also infected people.
Ideally, if your bird does bite, do not pull away, and do not react. If you are able to bear the pain, push into the bite gently but firmly. If you yank your body from your parrot's beak, or leave the room, you'll only teach him that biting makes you go away. Shouting will also act as a reward.
Something all bird owners surely know is that parrot beaks are powerful. But how powerful? There are few reliable sources on this, but some people have estimated that a large macaw has the bite strength of 500 to 700 pounds per square inch, which is close to that of a large dog bite.
Infection from bird bites is a big concern. Birds carry many of the common bacteria we are exposed to in our environment such as E. coli, Samonella, and Staphylococcus. But they also can transmit to humans (through bites and scratches) Lactobacillus, Pasturella multocida, and Proteus.
You must ignore the bite. I understand why this advice is given. Sometimes parrots use their beaks to test objects (texture or structure of a jewel, for example). Paying attention to his bird during this behavior could result in a positive reinforcement.
Saliva is the most common way to transmit gram negative bacteria to parrots (who, hopefully, do not have access to any other body fluids from ourselves or our pets.) This means we should be careful when we kiss our birds and we should never let them eat from our mouths or our utensils.
Health Risks
Birds are known to carry over 60 diseases and parasites, many of which can cause severe illness in humans. Bird droppings also contain various organisms and insects that can be a problem for those that come in direct contact.
Prevention. While there is no vaccine to prevent psittacosis, there are things you can do to protect yourself and others. Buy pet birds only from a well-known pet store.
Zoonotic diseases associated with birds include avian tuberculosis, erysipelas, ornithosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, cryptosporidiosis, campylobacterosis, and escherichiosis.
Parrots may bite if they become frightened. This is an instinctive self defense response (fight) to a perceived threat when they do not have a means of escape (flight).
Try to avoid touching your parrot on the back, wings or tail. Most parrots prefer to be touched on the head. This is similar to how many parrots interact with each other in the wild. Because parrots can't reach to preen the feathers on their own heads, they often appreciate the help of a friend for this job.
Every bird has positive and high energy; birds can love or have feelings of love, hate, fear, etc. Even though birds are not able to express their feelings to us easily through verbal communication, their feelings of love, emotions can show their feelings to people. Trust is also a part of love.
Petting down the back or under the wings can lead to a sexually frustrated bird, or a bird who perceives you as a mate rather than a companion. A mated bonded bird can be hostile to others in your home, becoming jealous or possessive of you.
Many birds may bite when they are feeling playful and are over-stimulated. Amazons and Cockatoos are especially prone to “overload” behavior. Know your bird's body language and avoid trying to handle a bird that is obviously excited.
The true bite is often lightning-quick and hard. The bite is often accompanied by "ruffled feathers" body language which is meant to teach you to back away because the bird needs more space. However, many times this act of self-defense will break a handler's skin or at least result in a painful dent.
Psittacosis is a disease associated with birds that can result in a flu-like illness or serious pneumonia in many people who become infected. The disease is caused by a tiny parasite called Chlamydia psittaci. Parrots, parakeets, and other birds can be carriers of the organism and can transmit the disease to humans.