Evaluating Allergic Responses to Bird Allergens

Inhalation of large amounts of organic dust for long and intense periods can cause an inflammation of the lung parenchyma in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli previously referred to as extrinsic allergic alveolitis, and now termed allergic alveolitis (AA). The condition is often known by the more general name of ‘Bird fancier’s (breeder’s) lung’, with symptom prevalence of up to 16% among bird owners. This condition may occur in pigeon breeders after close contact with pigeons (Fig. 1), but other birds such as budgerigars, parakeets, cockatiels and parrots can also cause it.