IN 1970, my father bought a love bird/parakeet from the pet shop in Church Street to add to his collection of birds in an aviary he had built.

Unknown to dad, this bird was imported into this country carrying the parrot disease psittacosis. The bird died. Unfortunately, dad, mom, my brother and the pet shop assistant all caught this disease from the bird. My dad died.

The dead bird, which was buried in the garden, was exhumed by the Medical Officer of Health and when psittacosis was diagnosed, mom and my bother - who were both in isolation at East Birmingham hospital - were treated for this disease.

They both recovered, and mom is nearly 94 now. Through your paper can someone advise if this is the same virus as the 'Avian bird flu' which is presently in the news.

Mrs PA Bailey

Bromsgrove