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Psittacosis
What causes psittacosis?
- Infection with the recently named bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci,
formerly Chlamydia psittaci (see picture below)
- Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted by infected birds.
It is also called ornithosis in people
C. psittaci bacteria stained with a fluorescent
stain
(from the CDC’s Public Health Image Library)
How is psittacosis spread?
- Infection occurs by inhaling the organism that is shed in dried
bird droppings (feces), respiratory, or eye secretions from infected
birds
- Birds in the parrot family, such as parrots, macaws, cockatiels,
cockatoos, and parakeets are the most frequent source for human
disease
- Other birds, particularly turkeys and ducks, may also spread
the disease to humans.
-
What are the symptoms of psittacosis in humans?
- Psittacosis is a respiratory disease and symptoms include a
sudden onset of:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Dry cough (non-productive)
- Most infections in people may begin 3 days to several weeks
following exposure
- Psittacosis may cause severe pneumonia and even death in people
Who is most at risk for developing psittacosis?
- Bird owners
- Pet shop employees where birds are sold
- Veterinarians
- Employees in poultry processing plants
Signs of chlamydial infection in birds include loss of appetite,
ruffled feathers, and weakness. Birds may also have a discharge
from the eyes or nostrils. Contact an avian veterinarian immediately
if your bird is exhibiting any of these signs.
How can psittacosis be prevented?
- Purchase pet birds from reputable sources or dealers
- Avoid purchasing birds that have signs of avian chlamydiosis
(AC)
- Have all newly purchased birds (including healthy ones) checked
by a veterinarian for AC since some birds may not demonstrate
any signs of illness
- Keep all newly purchased birds isolated and away from other
birds in the home for at least 30 days; this isolation will help
prevent the spread of disease
- Practice proper husbandry for all pet birds: clean bird dishes
daily; clean cages once a week; disinfect all soiled bowls, dishes,
and cages; ensure that all birds are eating a proper diet; avoid
stacking bird cages so that droppings will not contaminate other
cages; and provide a mesh cage bottom lined with litter that will
not produce dust
Additional information:
- If your pet bird dies and you would like to have it tested
for AC, contact your local health department. To preserve the
bird, wet it down with water, double bag the bird, and refrigerate
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