also known as Parakeet feather IgE Ab in Serum by Radioallergosorbent test (RAST)
This IgE antibody allergy test uses a blood sample to determine if you are allergic to parrot/parakeet (budgerigar) feathers. The American Pet Products Association (APPA), states that 6 million birds are kept as pets in the U.S.. Parakeets are considered one of the best companion birds, and they are usually a great addition to the family. They can live for up to a decade, they are considered very friendly, and they can even sometimes be trained to speak. However, living with a parakeet can often bring awareness to a parakeet feather allergy. A parakeet allergy will commonly affect those already living with asthma, or those who have other dander allergies. Parakeet feather allergies often are not directly linked to the feathers but the dander associated with the feather. The dander is dispersed when feather shafts break down. This can also be spread when the parakeet is actively preening or flying, thus causing the dander to become airborne. Common parakeet feather allergy symptoms include: Hay feverSneezingCoughingItchy eyesWeight lossDifficulty breathingReduced lung capacityDepending on the severity of your allergy, you may still be able to be a parakeet owner. You should avoid touching your face after handling the parakeet until you wash your hands, you should not sleep in the same room as the parakeet, and you should keep the parakeet’s cage clean by having someone not allergic regularly clean it.