'Could Kill Me': Sacramento Wildlife Rescuer Faces Devastating Diagnosis From Caring For Birds [View all]

[douglas9]

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 I’m 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 Fancier’s Disease. It’s an inflammation in the lungs caused by inhaling allergens from bird feathers.

“It’s 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. “It’s 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 Berger’s diagnosis, it’s 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