Rosella parrot exposure as a cause of bird fancier's lung

A case of a 30-year-old man who presented with a 2-month history of progressively worsening dyspnoea, cough, and reduced exercise tolerance is discussed. A chest x-ray and computerized tomography of the chest suggested interstitial lung disease, which was confirmed on histology of an open lung biopsy. Careful questioning revealed that the patient had sustained close exposure to a rosella parrot acquired as a pet 9 months prior to presentation, which led to the diagnosis of bird fancier's lung. The case, investigations, and outcome are presented. This is followed by a discussion on extrinsic allergic alveolitis with particular emphasis on the importance of a complete social and environmental history in patients presenting with similar respiratory symptoms.