Psittacosis - the facts: Infectious Diseases Information sheets: NEVDGP

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Psittacosis - the facts

What is psittacosis?

It is a bacterial disease of both wild and domestic birds that can also affect people. In birds it is also known as Avian Chlamydiosis (AC)

What are the symptoms in humans?

Psittacosis in humans may cause a flu-like illness or pneumonia. Symptoms may include: fever, headache, aching muscles and chills, while cough is characteristically dry or may be absent. If pneumonia occurs, symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain may occur.

Where is psittacosis found?

Birds, especially parrots, can carry the disease. Birds do not have to be sick to spread the disease. Rarely, ill cats, dogs, goats or sheep can spread infection.

How is psittacosis spread?

The disease is spread by breathing in the bacteria which is present in the infected bird’s droppings, nose or eye secretions. Dried secretions can remain infectious for many months. The risk of getting the disease is greater when the birds are under stress, for example, just after being purchased. You may unknowingly come into contact with infected birds while feeding wild birds cleaning feeding stations or cleaning infected aviaries. The spread of psittacosis from person to person is rare.

What about my pet bird?

Sick birds may have eye or nasal discharge, ruffled feathers and be off their food. If your bird is ill seek advice from your vet. Stop wild birds getting close to your bird’s cage, as they can spread disease.

I think I may be infected - what should I do?

See your local doctor and tell them about your contact with birds. This disease can be readily treated with antibiotics.

How can I avoid getting psittacosis?

Avoid contact with wild birds and do not feed wild birds.
Try to avoid stressing birds by crowding or cold conditions;
Do not buy birds that appear ill
Wear gloves and a dust mask when cleaning cages; wet down the area prior to cleaning to prevent dust formation.
Don't use a vacuum cleaner as it can throw infectious dust into the air.
Clean cages, food and water bowls daily; use litter which doesn't create dust eg newspaper
If you have a bird that is unwell, use a 1:100 diluted solution of household bleach to disinfect its cage, bowl etc.
Throw away material which cannot be disinfected and rinse all disinfected items before replacing them.
Do not allow birds to get close to your face and wash hands thoroughly after contact with birds.
Consider keeping new birds apart from others until tested for psittacosis.

North East Valley Division General Practice, Victoria, Australia, Disclaimer
Level 1, Pathology Building, Repatriation Campus, A&RMC, Heidelberg West VIC 3081. .. map
Phone: 03 9496 4333, Fax: 03 9496 4349, Email: nevdgp@nevdgp.org.au,
Please note: NEVDGP does not provide an on-line consultation