Avian cholera symptoms: what bird exposure means for people

Affected birds may appear weak, stop feeding, have difficulty breathing, develop discharge around the eyes or beak, or pass loose droppings. Some birds die before obvious warning signs appear. People should avoid handling a sick or dead bird with bare hands.

Avian cholera is an infection in birds caused by Pasteurella multocida bacteria. Despite the similar name, it is not the human intestinal infection called cholera and does not typically cause cholera-like illness in people.

Signs in birds vary with the species and severity. Sudden multiple bird deaths, marked lethargy, swollen joints, breathing problems, and greenish or watery droppings warrant attention from animal-health authorities. Loose droppings in a bird do not establish the diagnosis because many illnesses can produce that sign.

Keep children and pets away, do not collect feathers or carcasses, and avoid touching droppings, water, soil, cages, or equipment that may be contaminated. Report clusters of sick or dead wild birds to the relevant UAE municipality or veterinary authority; poultry owners should contact a veterinarian promptly.

If contact occurs, wash exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water, change contaminated clothing, and clean footwear without splashing material onto the face. Do not eat, drink, or touch your eyes, nose, or mouth until your hands are clean.

Seek prompt medical advice if a bite, scratch, or contaminated material breaks the skin, especially if the area becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, painful, or drains fluid. Tell the clinician exactly what bird contact occurred and when.

Urgent assessment is appropriate for trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, rapidly worsening illness, or swelling of the face or throat. New vomiting or diarrhoea after bird exposure needs medical review when fluids cannot be kept down, urine becomes very scant, or marked dizziness develops.

Explain whether contact involved a live bird, carcass, droppings, untreated water, a bite, or a scratch. Ask how to care for any wound, which changes should trigger reassessment, and whether your usual medicines or health conditions alter the plan.