How You Should Never Kiss A Parrot

Beware pets that can become health pests!

Because if you give him an unwanted peck, he might give you Psittacosis. Whazzat? That's another way of spelling 'fatal attraction'... And while you're about it, you might as well also watch out for (Ouch!) pussy's claws, (Scratch, scratch!) leaping fleas, and (Eeeagh!) hairy-scary caterpillars...

If you are suddenly besieged by high fever, chills and a splitting headache, you'll probably think you have malaria. Or even pneumonia. So might your doctor. Then he might embark upon a whole lot of anti-malarial drugs - even those for resistant malaria. You won't get better, so he'll switch over to strong antibiotics. Again, no go. Then you'll both beat your foreheads in frustration. But, finally, if your physician is perceptive enough, he'll ask you if you've got a bird. You'll answer in the affirmative. Suddenly, his face will light up with a 'Eureka' expression. He'll have just realised you're suffering from Psittacosis.

Come again, you say, Psittacosis. It's a disease that is passed on to man by birds. When parrots and parakeets are the culprits, sorry, carries, Ornithosis, is the word used. Other birds that carry this disease are pigeons and poultry (although it's quite rare to get the disease from hens). Apart from the symptoms already mentioned, you could get a harsh, dry, intermittent cough and occasionally bring up a little sputum and even blood. There is generalised bodyache and the back and neck muscles could become stiff and



MUST READ: