Chlamydiosis / Psittacosis in Birds

Chlamydiosis Psittacosis

It is important for all bird owners to be aware of the disease chlamydiosis or psittacosis and its potential for infecting humans. Chlamydiosis, sometimes referred to as Parrot Fever, is caused by an intracellular parasite called Chlamydophila psittaci.

Transmission – This organism is found in feather dust and dried up faeces and is dispersed by air circulation. Transmission of Chlamydophila is primarily through inhalation of contaminated dust from droppings of feathers. Infection risk is increased by close contact with infected birds that are shedding the organism. A large number of birds carry the organism in their system but will only show signs of the disease when stressed. For this reason, the disease is more common in birds stressed through transport, overcrowding or malnutrition. Some birds are carriers of the disease and will shed the organism to infect other birds but not show signs themselves.

Clinical Signs – Birds suffering from Chlamydiosis exhibit many of the usual sick bird signs e.g. Lack of appetite, weight loss, depression, greenish diarrhoea. However, as Chlamydiosis affects the respiratory system as well as the gastrointestinal system, other signs such as discharge from the nose or eyes, sneezing and respiratory problems also occur in birds infected with the disease. Breeding birds can pass the organism to their young. Young birds are more susceptible to severe infection than adult birds and may die in the nest or soon after weaning.

Diagnosis – Because the symptoms of Chlamydiosis are not specific and can mimic a large range of diseases, examination and tests by an experienced avian veterinarian are essential to diagnose the infection. Once Chlamydiosis has been positively diagnosed, appropriate treatment can be administered.

Treatment – Doxycycline is the preferred treatment for Chlamydiosis. The treatment is for six weeks. The medication can be administered orally, in the drinking water or by weekly injections. It is recommended that all exposed birds in the household or aviary should be treated at the same time to reduce the spread or recurrence of the disease. Cages should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Birds that are severely affected will need intensive care and supportive therapy such as crop feeding with high energy, liquid food supplements, a heat source and sometimes intravenous or sub-cutaneous fluids. A severely affected bird may die despite treatment.

Transmission to Humans – Humans can also contract Chlamydiosis from infected birds. Elderly, pregnant, sick or very young people, immunosuppressed people or those on chemotherapy are in greater danger or becoming infected with the disease. Symptoms in humans include persistent flu-like signs, chest pains, fever, chills, headaches, weakness and fatigue. Any family members who exhibit these signs should seek medical advice. A simple blood test will diagnose the disease in humans and an appropriate course of antibiotics can be administered. Neglect of the symptoms or a delayed diagnosis may result in serious illness.

Preventive Measures – All new birds should be quarantined for a period of 6 weeks. During the quarantine period, they should be examined and screened for Chlamydiosis by your avian veterinarian. At a bird’s yearly health check, it should also be examined for any signs of the disease and tested and treated if appropriate. Chlamydiosis is a serious killer of pet birds. However, if diagnosed early and appropriately treated, it can be overcome.

© Peter Wilson July 2010

Information supplied by (c) Currumbin Valley Vet Services August 2010

FAQs

What is Chlamydiosis or Psittacosis?

Chlamydiosis, also known as Parrot Fever, is a disease caused by an intracellular parasite called Chlamydophila psittaci. It is a serious infection that can affect birds and can also be transmitted to humans. To find out more about this often deadly disease, search for an exotic animal veterinarian near me.

How is Chlamydiosis transmitted?

The organism responsible for Chlamydiosis is found in feather dust and dried up bird droppings. It can be dispersed through the air and transmitted through inhalation of contaminated dust. Close contact with infected birds that are shedding the organism also increases the risk of transmission. Stress, such as transport, overcrowding, or malnutrition, can trigger the disease in birds.

What are the clinical signs of Chlamydiosis in birds?

Birds with Chlamydiosis may exhibit common signs of illness, such as lack of appetite, weight loss, depression, and greenish diarrhoea. Additionally, respiratory symptoms like nasal or eye discharge, sneezing, and respiratory problems can occur. Breeding birds can pass the infection to their young, who are more susceptible to severe infection and may die in the nest or shortly after weaning. If you suspect your bird has Chlamydiosis, you should immediately search for an emergency vet near me. Exotic animal veterinary experience, particularly with birds, is crucial for a proper diagnosis.

How is Chlamydiosis diagnosed in birds?

Diagnosis of Chlamydiosis requires examination and tests by an experienced avian veterinarian. The symptoms of Chlamydiosis are not specific and can resemble other diseases. A definitive diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment, so if your bird is sick be sure to do a search for a “small animal exotic vet near me”.

What is the treatment for Chlamydiosis in birds?

The preferred treatment for Chlamydiosis in birds is an antibiotic medication called Doxycycline. The treatment duration is typically six weeks, and it can be administered orally, in the drinking water, or through weekly injections. It is recommended to treat all exposed birds simultaneously to reduce the spread or recurrence of the disease. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of cages are also necessary. Severely affected birds may require intensive care and supportive therapy at an avian hospital.

Can humans contract Chlamydiosis from infected birds?

Yes, humans can contract Chlamydiosis from infected birds. People who are elderly, pregnant, sick, very young, immunosuppressed, or undergoing chemotherapy are at greater risk of becoming infected. Symptoms in humans include persistent flu-like signs, chest pains, fever, chills, headaches, weakness, and fatigue. Prompt medical attention is necessary, as neglecting or delaying the diagnosis may lead to serious illness.

How can Chlamydiosis in birds be prevented?

To prevent Chlamydiosis, it is important to quarantine all new birds for a period of six weeks. During this time, they should be examined and screened for the disease by an avian veterinarian. Yearly health checks for birds should also include an examination for signs of Chlamydiosis and appropriate testing and treatment if necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to overcoming the disease.

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