The Alabama Department of Public Health issued a precautionary notice after birds in the Birmingham Zoo tested positive for a bacterial disease.
Multiple birds in the zoo's Lorikeet Aviary tested positive for a bacterial disease known as psittacosis or Chlamydia psittaci, a health department release stated.
Anyone who has visited the aviary in the past 30 days could have been exposed, the release said, although the transfer of the disease from birds to humans is uncommon.
Infection most likely occurs in people who have had direct contact with the birds or bird secretions, according to the health department. Infection symptoms in humans usually occurs within 3-14 days of exposure.
"The usual symptoms of psittacosis in humans include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough that can develop into pneumonia," the health department release said. "People with prolonged contact with the birds, such as the aviary workers and caretakers, immune compromised or pregnant persons would be considered the most at risk."
The aviary is now closed to the public and will remain closed until the infection is controlled by treating the sick birds, disinfection and additional laboratory testing. Zoo officials could not be immediately reached Wednesday evening.
"Persons who are experiencing or begin to experience any of the listed symptoms since visiting the zoo within the past 30 days should seek medical attention," the release said. "People seeking medical attention should inform their medical provider of their bird exposure. For people showing no symptoms, no medical treatment is necessary."