Staphylococcus aureus -Can it be passed from human to parrot?

[NoelyBird]

I’ve discovered just a few minutes ago that I have a nail infection on the side of my fingernail. It’s likely Staphylococcus aureus or something similar. I’ve been handling my birds and even just a couple hours ago one of them bit down where it’s infected. I thought it was just a painful hangnail until I noticed that it’s changed color to kind of yellow green and gotten much more swollen.

Can this get them sick? I’m really worried.

 

[SumitaSinh]

I'll check some articles regarding effects of Staph on parrots. But one thing, staph is not a gut bacteria usually. You can give your bird some probiotics, that'll increase their gut immunity.

 

[NoelyBird]

Thank you, I spent some time looking and asked around but am still without many answers. If it helps, this is what it looks like. It’s not open which should help I think.

 

[Shezbug]

Probably just best to assume it can be shared between you.


A quick search found this:

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial colonizer of humans and a variety of animal species. Many strains have zoonotic potential, moving between humans and animals, including livestock, pets, and wildlife.

 

[SumitaSinh]

Thank you, I spent some time looking and asked around but am still without many answers. If it helps, this is what it looks like. It’s not open which should help I think.

If you're taking antibiotics, that'll definitely help.

 

[NoelyBird]

If you're taking antibiotics, that'll definitely help.

Not yet, just found out tonight unfortunately.

 

[SumitaSinh]

Not yet, just found out tonight unfortunately.

Speaking as a doctor, your infection (paronychia) looks quite acute. It requires some antibiotics. Please consult your physician.

 

[NoelyBird]

Speaking as a doctor, your infection (paronychia) looks quite acute. It requires some antibiotics. Please consult your physician.

I’ve got an appt for 8am with the teledoc folks. I’ve been mostly concerned for my little guys honestly.

 

[SumitaSinh]

I’ve got an appt for 8am with the teledoc folks. I’ve been mostly concerned for my little guys honestly.

Can you give them apple cider vinegar?
@Zara

 

[Shezbug]

I’ve got an appt for 8am with the teledoc folks. I’ve been mostly concerned for my little guys honestly.

If your bird did not break your skin and you had no gunk leaking over your finger my assumption would be that your birds are likely to be ok. For the simple fact that it may be zoonotic you want to watch your birds for any changes showing they are not feeling well. If they show any signs of illness get them into a vet who can prescribe meds asap.

Can you give them apple cider vinegar?
@Zara

What would the ACV be for? Probably won’t hurt but I can’t see it helping either tbh.

 

[Emma&pico]

I am a terrible skin finger biter when stressed or even just sat watching tv I’ve had this a few times you need to pop it squeeze puss out and then salt water three times a day it will be better by tomorrow and dried up scab

 

[Zara]

@NoelyBird Go visit your doctor to be seen and treated in person by a professional.
You shouldn't be diagnosed over the internet or by telephone.

As for your birds, be more mindful about handling and hygiene - like Shez said, assume they can get it.
Definitely increase cleaning around your home and cages.

 

[SumitaSinh]

A

If your bird did not break your skin and you had no gunk leaking over your finger my assumption would be that your birds are likely to be ok. For the simple fact that it may be zoonotic you want to watch your birds for any changes showing they are not feeling well. If they show any signs of illness get them into a vet who can prescribe meds asap.



What would the ACV be for? Probably won’t hurt but I can’t see it helping either tbh.

ACV increases the acid environment of gut which kills the bacteria.

 

[SumitaSinh]

I am a terrible skin finger biter when stressed or even just sat watching tv I’ve had this a few times you need to pop it squeeze puss out and then salt water three times a day it will be better by tomorrow and dried up scab

Oh my God, that'll be painful!! Please please don't do this again, there's chance of increasing infection!

 

[T. gillii]

Oh my God, that'll be painful!! Please please don't do this again, there's chance of increasing infection!

yes we don’t want anything turning into MRSA …

 

[SumitaSinh]

yes we don’t want anything turning into MRSA …

Totally agree

 

[NoelyBird]

@NoelyBird Go visit your doctor to be seen and treated in person by a professional.
You shouldn't be diagnosed over the internet or by telephone.

As for your birds, be more mindful about handling and hygiene - like Shez said, assume they can get it.
Definitely increase cleaning around your home and cages.

We’re obsessively clean in the house and I’m actually a compulsive hand washer which I’m told may have contributed to the problem. But thanks for assuming that I’m not mindful? It was just a painful hangnail until it wasn’t.

 

[NoelyBird]

If your bird did not break your skin and you had no gunk leaking over your finger my assumption would be that your birds are likely to be ok. For the simple fact that it may be zoonotic you want to watch your birds for any changes showing they are not feeling well. If they show any signs of illness get them into a vet who can prescribe meds asap.



What would the ACV be for? Probably won’t hurt but I can’t see it helping either tbh.

Thank you, I’ll keep a very close eye on them.

 

[Emma&pico]

Oh my God, that'll be painful!! Please please don't do this again, there's chance of increasing infection!

I was told by a doctor to do this first time I got it that’s all they did in doctors office

 

[Zara]

But thanks for assuming that I’m not mindful?

No, you misread.

more mindful

More mindful indicates that I am assuming you are mindful, and want to reiterate to be exceptionally mindful (more minduful) now that you suspect there's an infection.

Oh my God, that'll be painful!! Please please don't do this again, there's chance of increasing infection!

I was told by a doctor to do this first time I got it that’s all they did in doctors office

Can this get them sick?

Keep in mind OP hasn't been diagnosed with anything yet and are looking for advice on their birds wellbeing and if there's potential for infections to spread.

I’ll keep a very close eye on them.

Hopefully they will be fine and your finger will clear up soon