Hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a raptor handler and a wild bird fancier.

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis has been associated with a variety of antigens in various settings. We have recently encountered one case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis from owl droppings and another case from a wild Moluccan cockatoo.

OBJECTIVE

It is important to alert 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 hypersensitivity pneumonitis due to birds and avoidance is the optimal approach.

CONCLUSION

There are many raptor handlers and wild bird fanciers across the United States and the world. Given the incidence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in pigeon breeders, this may herald a new variant of allergic disease among wildlife workers and wild bird fanciers.