Zoonotic diseases of birds.

Numerous diseases are shared by birds and humans. Many of them are true zoonosis. Chlamydiosis, salmonellosis, and tuberculosis are the primary infectious diseases. Allergic alveolitis in humans, induced by exposure to bird dander and protein, is also of great significance. The other diseases are of less common occurrence or represent oddities. [Editor's note: However, the increased incidence of AIDS and the increased use of immune system-compromising medications in humans have resulted in a drastic increase in the zoonotic diseases. Formerly rare diseases are becoming more common.]