26 May 2000

Welsh Parrot Fever Alert

Four cases of a rare 'parrot fever' disease have come to light in the past couple of days after two men and two women needed hospital treatment following visits to a pet shop in north Wales. North Wales Health Authority has confirmed that they are investigating the possibility that the illness is related to exposure to birds at a shop in Bangor, in the past couple of months. The Veterinary Laboratory Agency and the Department of Public Protection of Gwynedd County Council are also involved in the investigation. Symptoms of the illness, known as Psittacosis, include fever, chills, muscle-aching, headache, cough and breathlessness. Doctors say that most cases are mild, but the disease can be severe and cause death, particularly in older people. Dr Richard Roberts, a consultant in public health for North Wales Health Authority, said: "This is an extremely rare disease. We can go for years without seeing any cases. "These cases have come to light in the past couple of days but the incubation period can be up to a month so the exposure has to be traced back." Anyone who has had contact with pet birds and develops flu-like symptoms within a month should contact their GP. The authority will be setting up a helpline to receive calls from concerned members of the public.