Psittacosis

Infection with Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci) is cause of systemic illness in companion birds . This illness is often referred to as avian chlamydiosis (also known as psittacosis, ornithosis, and parrot fever) in birds.

C. psittaci infection can be transmitted from infected birds to humans. The disease resulting from C. psittaci infection in humans is called psittacosis (also known as parrot disease, parrot fever, and chlamydiosis). Most infections are typically acquired from exposure to pet psittacine birds, and is most found in pet store workers and people who have recently purchased an infected bird. Human to human spread has not been noted as to date.

An infection usually occurs when a person inhales organisms that have been aerosolized from dried feces or respiratory tract secretions of infected birds. The organism can remain infectious in dried secretions, excretions and feather dust for very long periods of time.

Other means of exposure include mouth-to-beak contact and handling infected birds' plumage and tissues. Psittacosis can result in serious health problems including fatal pneumonia. Diagnosis of psittacosis can be difficult in a live bird.

Understanding Psittacosis by Hannis L. Stoddard III, DMV

PSITTACOSIS by Mike Owen, Queensland, Australia

PSITTACOSIS/ Chlamydiosis/Ornithosis/Parrot Fever

CHLAMYDIOSIS Part I by Linda Pesek DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)

CHLAMYDIOSIS Part 2 by Linda Pesek DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)

CHLAMYDIOSIS Part 3 by Linda Pesek DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)

CHLAMYDIOSIS Part 4 by Linda Pesek DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Avian)