The psittacosis epidemic of 1929–1930, spread by the Australian budgie, provides lessons for the COVID‐19 pandemic
At a time when the world is engulfed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, it is worth looking at an outbreak to which Australia made a special contribution — the psittacosis (after the Greek word for parrot) epidemic of 1929–1930.1 An important vector for the infection was our greatest export — the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus, more commonly known as the budgie, the most popular pet in the world after dogs and cats.2 In America our little feathered friend is called the shell parrot or lovebird.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
No relevant disclosures.