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History
Psittacosis, also known as Chlamydiosis or Ornithosis, is a bacteria-like disease
of birds which can also affect humans. All avian species are potential hosts of Chlamydia
organisms but the disease more commonly affects parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds,
pigeons, and canaries.
Cause
The organism responsible for psittacosis is Chlamydia psittaci, an agent
sharing properties of both bacteria and viruses. It lives inside the cells of the
host but also has life cycle stages which are free-living in the environment. Chlamydia
psittaci is different than the human form of chlamydia, Chlamydia trachomatous,
but can still affect humans.
Disease in humans
People usually acquire the infection through the inhalation of contaminated dust
from feces and plumage from infected birds. Humans may develop any number of signs
which can include flu-like symptoms of upper respiratory infections, dizziness, nausea,
joint and muscle pain, hot and cold sweats/chills, and generalized discomfort.
Illness in birds
Signs in birds can be very subtle to very severe. Initially, lime-green feces
along with increased urine (watery droppings) may be present. Depression, eating
less, fluffed plumage, decreased vocalizations, and generalized weakness may be present
in infected birds. In some cases, the birds will have discharge from the eye and
many smaller birds may show no signs at all.
Diagnosis
Confirmation of Chlamydia in a bird can be challenging. There is no test
which is both sensitive and specific enough to diagnose all cases. Measuring serum
titers may reveal an immune response to the organism. Detecting chlamydial DNA in
a blood, fecal or eye swab sample indicates presence of the organism. The best method
of diagnosis is to use multiple tests. Other diagnostic tests would include complete
blood counts, blood chemistry tests, and liver function tests.
Treatment
In individual cases, not flocks, orally administered medication is often very
effective but labor intensive. For flocks or small groups of individually housed
birds, medication may be administered in the food, water, or by commercially prepared
pellets. Treatment for Chlamydia should be for at least 45 days.
All organic material such as feces and food debris should be removed from the cage
and the cage cleaned and disinfected. Affected birds should be isolated from healthy
individuals but may also need to be treated.
Prevention
The general rule is never to mix little birds (canaries, budgies, lovebirds,
cockatiels and pigeons) with large birds (parrots). These smaller species should
be evaluated for Chlamydia prior to being placed near the larger species.
Quarantine all new birds for at least 30 days away from established birds. Have any
new birds examined and tested for Chlamydia by an avian veterinarian.
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