Fact Sheets

On this page you will find useful factsheets on many subjects ranging from basic care of your pet, through to information on specific conditions your pet may be suffering from.

For ease of finding information the sheets are arranged according to species and may be downloaded and printed for future reference.

No part of the sheets may be copied, or distributed for any other purposes.

Although we take the utmost care to ensure these factsheets are correct, no responsibility can be assumed for any inaccuracies contained herein.

Chlamydiosis or Psittacosis

This is one of the most important of all bird diseases, not just because it is very commonly encountered in sick birds, but because it can be carried in apparently healthy birds, which act as a source of infection to other birds and people. In humans the disease, which is caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, is called psittacosis, which is a serious, potentially life-threatening, disease.

Illness in birds

Chlamydophila will enter the bird via the intestines or respiratory tract (i.e. contaminated feed or dust from feathers/faeces). Once infected a bird will show a variety of signs ranging from sudden death through fluffed with abnormal breathing, diarrhoea (often bright green), discharges from the eyes/nose, or they can show no symptoms whatsoever. Sick birds which recover or those which show no signs initially will act as reservoirs of infection, carrying the organism and intermittently shedding it, acting as a source of infection for other in-contact birds/people. This shedding will increase in times of stress, or other disease. As a result Chlamydiosis must be considered in any sick bird, until testing suggests otherwise.

Disease in people

Humans can catch the disease in the same manner as birds. Most commonly this is from inhaling dust formed from infected faeces as the owner cleans out his/her birds environment. The signs in people include anorexia, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, pneumonia, headaches, fever, night sweats and eye pain, especially in bright light. It is important to mention to your doctor that you are a bird owner if you have any repeated or uncharacteristic illnesses. Recent advances in DNA technology have however enabled scientists to identify 6 types of Chlamydophila where previously there was only thought to be one. Following this, studies have revealed that of disease in people, only 2% of infections are actually caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, the type carried by birds.

Minimising the risk

Buying birds - The existence of apparently healthy carriers means that it is impossible to guarantee a bird is free from infection when purchased. A few 'best practices' may, however, reduce the risk.

Avoid bird auctions: The stress to the birds and the cramped conditions make any carrier birds excrete the organism and allow rapid transmission around the whole auction.
Quarantine bought in birds: Keep these birds separate from any you may already own, for at least six weeks if possible. In order to be separate, the birds need to be in different rooms so dust cannot cross-contaminate the cages. Always wash your hands and, preferably, change your clothes when moving between the rooms to avoid carrying potentially infective material from one group to the next. If the birds are then to enter a breeding collection where Chlamydiosis would be of particular importance, then testing of the bought in birds would be advisable, before introducing them to your collection.
Avoid contact with wild birds: this may be easier said than done with outdoor flights but the wild bird population is an important reservoir of this, and many other parasites/diseases which can be passed to previously healthy pet birds.
Always wear gloves and a mask when cleaning out the birds enclosures. Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards and never eat/drink or smoke whilst handling your birds/cleaning out their environment.
If in doubt seek professional attention in the form of medical help for yourself and veterinary help for your bird. The response to treatment in humans is generally favourable if the disease is diagnosed early and correct treatment instigated.
Screening tests for Chlamydophila can be carried out relatively simply. For more information please contact me at the practice.

Hopefully, following these simple rules will minimise the risk and enable you to enjoy your birds to the full with the minimum of health problems for you both!

Please do not hesitate to contact me at the practice if you have any questions about this, or any other matter involving your bird.