Can people get parrot fever?

   Parrot fever, also known as psittacosis, can be passed along to people from infected birds. Al­though the disease occurs most often in members of the parrot family, it is also found in other birds such as pigeons. In people, the disease is an infection somewhat like pneumonĂ­a. It can spread to humans when they handle sick birds or come into contact with infectious articles (bird droppings, perches, cages). The best way to avoid it is to buy pet birds from a reliable dealer, keep their cages clean. and never handle sick birds.