Can a parrot cause health problems for humans?

[nolow]

I have been having cognitive problems lately and I'm trying to isolate what is causing it. The problems started right around the time I purchased a cockatiel. My main concern is trouble concentrating. I was at a hotel and they had a few parrots. Under the cage I noticed a rather large ventilation system. I wasn't sure if this was just to keep the odors down or served a health related purpose.

 

[Lori]

Cockatiels are a dusty bird I have 2 and can see the dust I wipe up daily in the room they are in I cut it down by getting an air cleaner just make sure if you get one it is bird safe... I would also check with your Dr.

 

[TexDot33]

This is a great question, I think that your cognitive issues and your cockatiel purchase are coincidence. The heath issues in a human that I would expect to see from a dusty bird (Greys, 'Toos and 'teils) would all be respiratory issues (sneezing, breathing problems) ... I don't think that your birdie has anything to with this issue ... PLEASE SEE YOUR DOCTOR TODAY ABOUT THIS!!!

:50:

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I second what has been said: VERY doubtful, but you should definitely see a Dr. There are some pathogens which can thrive in 'bird dust' some of which MAY be able to cause such symptoms, however they are so rare there is a better chance of me winning the lottery than those organisms being present (and I don't even buy lottery tickets...) Some such organisms might more likely TRIGGER some other pre-existing conditions, perhaps another infection that your body was keeping at bay until the 'bird dust' organisms hassled your immune system. Again though all this is exceedingly unlikely but worth mentioning to your doctor.

I know some bird owners who would claim that having a bird leads to insanity, or perhaps that one must be a little nutty in the first place to get a bird....

Lastly I'm curious what you mean by 'cognitive problems' .... loud parrots can make it hard to concentrate, but thats very different than not being able to recognize family or not knowing one's own name.

 

[rockinseattle]

A person can get aspergillosis but it is rare and a person usually doesn't get it over night..

Your situation sounds coincidental to me but I am not a doctor.

IMO you should see a doctor and discuss with him/her your symptoms.