Birdkeeping is becoming increasingly popular, but could it threaten good health? This book discusses the evi- dence suggesting that keeping pet birds is a strong risk factor for lung cancer. Its relation to a number of other endpoints, including death before age 60 and spontaneous abortion, is also examined. In addition, the book looks at the diseases that can be transmitted from birds to man - a fairly unknown field in general medicine. For instance, birds are a source of airborne particles that can cause allergic reactions in humans. People who keep birds as pets tend to have a higher incidence of shortness of breath, colds, sore throats and other flu-like symptoms than those in households without birds. The evidence presented in this book is the result of a ten-year general practice survey. Some recommendations for future research are given.

1 All About Pet Birds

1.1 Bird Keeping as an Increasingly Popular Pastime
1.2 Birds as a Source of Pollution
1.3 Infectious Diseases of Pet Birds That Can Be Transmitted
1.4 Allergic Diseases That Can Be Caused by Pet Birds
2 Survey of Patients in General Practice
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Methods
2.3 Results
2.4 Discussion
3 Hospital Case-Control Study of Lung Cancer and Bird Keeping
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Methods
3.3 Results
3.4 Discussion
4 Dust Measurement Study
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Methods
4.3 Results
4.4 Discussion
5 Other Evidence on Bird Keeping and Lung Cancer
6 Discussion of the Relationship Between Bird Keeping and Lung Cancer
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Mechanisms by Which Bird Keeping May Cause Lung Cancer
6.3 Causes of Lung Cancer and their Relative Importance
6.4 Conclusions and Recommendations for Further Research
Appendix A Interpreting Data From Epidemiological Studies
Appendix B Some Investigative Methods
Appendix C Case Histories of the 22 Couples with Infertility Tests in the General Practice Survey
Appendix D Steps to Prevent the Formation of Bioaerosols from Pet Birds
References.