HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS IN A RAPTOR HANDLER AND A WILD BIRD FANCIER

Background: Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been associated with a va riety of antigens in various settings. We have recently encountered on e case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis from owl droppings and another case from a wild Moluccan cockatoo. Objective: It is important to aler t physicians to the possibility of hypersensitivity; pneumonitis when dealing with wildlife workers and wild bird fanciers. Method: A report of two cases with progress and response to therapy. Results: Clinical and serologic information are of value in the diagnosis of hypersensi tivity pneumonitis due to birds and avoidance is the optimal approach. Conclusion: There are many raptor handlers and wild bird fanciers acr oss the United States and the world. Given the incidence of hypersensi tivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders, this may herald a new variant o f allergic disease among wildlife workers and wild bird fanciers.