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Related: About this forum'Could Kill Me': Sacramento Wildlife Rescuer Faces Devastating Diagnosis From Caring For Birds
CITRUS HEIGHTS (CBS13) Christy Berger, co-founder of Sacramento Heron and Egret Rescue, has spent the last several years as a wildlife rescuer. The sounds of dozens of birds around her is like music to her ears. She rescued each and every one of them, took them in and cared for them as her own. But now she can no longer care for them her health depends on it.
I have to be careful in my own yard right now. I wear a mask even if Im by myself outside in my yard, Berger told CBS13.
She started having breathing problems in January, making it difficult to simply walk. She was just diagnosed with Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis, also known as Bird Fanciers Disease. Its an inflammation in the lungs caused by inhaling allergens from bird feathers.
Its creating a situation where it will create scar tissue and if I continue to work with these birds, I will need a lung transplant down the road, said Berger. Its pretty devastating. It definitely is breaking my heart. It feels really unreal, like how could this be happening?
Dr. Parimal Bharucha specializes in pulmonary and critical care with Dignity Health. He says considering Bergers diagnosis, its best she stay away from the birds. He says the condition is actually more common than many realize.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/could-kill-me-sacramento-wildlife-rescuer-faces-devastating-diagnosis-from-caring-for-birds/ar-BB1fqgwI?ocid=BingNews
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'Could Kill Me': Sacramento Wildlife Rescuer Faces Devastating Diagnosis From Caring For Birds (Original Post)
douglas9
Apr 2021
OP
Damn. I feel so badly for her and the birds she will no longer be able to care for.
hlthe2b
Apr 2021
#2
Hmmm...is a new virus in the making? Animal to human transmission of kinds of infections
joetheman
Apr 2021
#5
cate94
(2,808 posts)1. How sad. N/t
hlthe2b
(102,119 posts)2. Damn. I feel so badly for her and the birds she will no longer be able to care for.
Sanity Claws
(21,840 posts)3. I hope she can transition to teaching virtually
so that her vast array of knowledge does not go to waste.
A lot of her knowledge is based on experience and could be very valuable to relative newbies.
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)4. Or writing a book.
joetheman
(1,450 posts)5. Hmmm...is a new virus in the making? Animal to human transmission of kinds of infections
is how it begins. Be careful!
Hoping for a medical solution to your condition.
Wounded Bear
(58,598 posts)6. Sounds like this is a known condition, not some new virus...
sad to hear, but dealing with wild animals has its hazards.
I hope she finds a reasonable solution.
Random Boomer
(4,167 posts)7. No, it's not a virus
As the article states, it's an allergic reaction. A known syndrome of long standing. My wife has the same issue.