Ac. Choy et al., HYPERSENSITIVITY PNEUMONITIS IN A RAPTOR HANDLER AND A WILD BIRD FANCIER, Annals of allergy, asthma, & immunology, 74(5), 1995, pp. 437-441
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.