title: A case of cellulitis of the hands caused by a predatory bird attack.
abstract: Many species have been drastically affected by rapid urbanization. Harris's hawks from their natural habitat of open spaces and a supply of rodents, lizards and other small prey have been forced to change their natural environment adapting to living in open spaces in sub- and peri-urban areas. Specific areas include playgrounds, parks and school courtyards. The migration of this predatory species into these areas poses a risk to individuals, and especially the children are often attacked by claws, talons and beaks intentionally or as collateral damage while attacking rodent prey. In addition, the diverse micro-organisms harbored in the beaks and talons can result in wound infections, presenting a challenge to clinical management. Here we would like to present a case of an 80-year-old man with cellulitis of both hands after sustaining minor injuries from the talons of a Harris's hawk and review the management options. We would also like to draw attention to the matter that, even though previously a rarity, more cases of injuries caused by birds of prey may be seen in hospital settings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M Adil Abbas
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Khan
authors.forename: Mohammed
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farid
authors.forename: Zain A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Sobani
authors.forename: Syed Nadir
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: Ali
authors.forename: Huzaifa
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Malick
authors.forename: Maryam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baqir
authors.forename: Hasanat
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sharif
authors.forename: M Asim
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Beg
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002481:Cellulitis / Q000209:etiology*; D006230:Hand Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D046428:Hawks / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
keywords: Deforestation; Harris hawk; Predatory birds; Urbanization