Chlamydiosis or psittacosis is one of the most common diseases in birds. Among the birds that can live in our homes or gardens, always with the optimal conditions (without being confined in a cage), the pistácidas, such as the cockatoos nymphos and the Australian parakeets, are among those that are most often infected with Clamydophila psittaci, so if you live with a bird of this species, you should be very attentive to the symptoms.
Given that chlamydia is a zoonosis, that is, it can be transmitted to humans, it is even more important that bird keepers know about this disease, know how to detect its symptoms and act in case of contagion. Therefore, in this article on our site we will explain all about avian chlamydiosis, keep reading!
What is avian psittacosis or chlamydiosis?
Chlamydiosis is a disease caused by intracellular bacteria of the Chlamydiaceae family According to current classification, this family is divided into two genera: Chlamydia and Chlamydophila. It is within this second group that Chlamydophila psittaci, the species responsible for chlamydiosis in psittacine birds, is found, which is why it is responsible for chlamydiosis in cockatoos. Previously, this bacterium was called Chlamydia psittaci.
Does avian chlamydia spread to humans?
Yes, psittacosis or chlamydiosis in birds, also called chlamydiophilosis, ornithosis or parrot fever, is a zoonosis, it is That is, birds that carry this bacterium can transmit it to humans. This transmission occurs by direct contact between humans and birds or by inhalation of particles present in urine or feather dust.
In any case, the incidence of avian psittacosis or chlamydiosis in humans is very low, despite the fact that there are thousands of birds that carry this disease. Most people are resistant to the bacteria unless the immune system is compromised. In any case, it is important to be alert to the fact that transmission is possible, since some cases of chlamydiosis in humans can be fatal if not treated properly.
The symptoms of chlamydiosis in humans are:
- Severe headaches.
- General discomfort.
- Shaking chills.
- Myalgia.
Severe cases can even cause pneumonia, since the lung is one of the most affected organs [1]. However, in most cases, chlamydiosis in humans can be asymptomatic or have mild flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of chlamydia in birds
Like other psittacine birds, cockatoos and parakeets can be infected with C. psittaci, although they are not the only ones, since avian psittacosis or chlamydiosis also affects pigeons and turkeys. In any case, birds infected by this bacterium can be asymptomatic, that is, they may not present symptoms, despite being carriers and, therefore, can infect to other birds and humans. Cockatoos, for example, can live for many years as carriers without showing any symptoms.
Problems arise when the bird's immune system is down. Symptoms of chlamydia in birds can be:
- Diarrhea or watery stools.
- Conjunctivitis and eye secretions.
- Sneezing and runny nose.
- Apathy.
- Anorexy.
- Weightloss.
- Drowsiness.
The symptoms of avian psittacosis or chlamydiosis, both in cockatoos and in parakeets or pigeons, are not very specific and, in addition, different organs can be affected, such as the liver, spleen, respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract. For this reason, it is essential to consult your trusted veterinarian if you live with one of these birds and notice any change in their behavior.
It is important to remember that no bird should be confined to a cage 24 hours a day. If you have found a badly injured bird, you have gone to the vet and you have decided to take care of it, keep in mind that it will need space and some freedom to be able to fly; the cage should simply be his refuge, the place to go if he wants to hide or rest. Consult our guide on How to take care of a cockatoo nymph or carolina.
Avian chlamydiosis diagnosis
Since the clinical signs of chlamydiosis in birds are nonspecific, diagnosis becomes more complicated. Therefore, laboratory tests are needed to confirm that it is this disease. Your veterinarian may use the following tests to make a definitive diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis:
- Bone scan.
- Ultrasound.
- Liver enzyme tests.
- White blood cell count.
Although more expensive and an off-site laboratory is often required, there are laboratory methods that allow isolation of C. psittaci. One of the most reliable diagnostic methods is the direct detection of Chlamydophila DNA using the PCR technique
Treatment for chlamydia in birds
Whether a cockatoo, a pigeon or a parakeet suffers from this disease, veterinary treatment is essential. There are different treatment protocols for avian psittacosis or chlamydiosis and the veterinarian will choose the one that best suits each case.
The most common treatment is antibiotic therapy, which can be oral, water-soluble, or injected. If there is only one sick bird in the home, the injectable option is likely to be best due to its effectiveness. However, if more than one bird is infected, the soluble option may be more practical, although it is difficult to control the amount of water each bird drinks.
On the other hand, as we have commented in the section on symptoms, the ocular region is often affected by chlamydia, causing ocular discharge. For this reason, if this is the case for your bird, the veterinarian can prescribe the antibiotic in the form of drops to be applied directly to the eyes.
In addition to antibiotic treatment to kill bacteria, other treatments may be needed to relieve symptoms.
The duration of treatment and the prognosis are highly variable and depend mainly on how early avian chlamydiosis is detected. If several birds live together, it is advisable to separate those that show clinical signs from those that appear he althy until the end of the treatment. Generally, after 45 days of treatment, birds should be re-examined.
Prevention of psittacosis in birds
As we have already discussed, birds can transmit this bacteria to other birds through nasal, oral or fecal secretions. For this reason, it is essential to keep the environment of the birds clean at all times In places with many birds, the risk of existing psittacosis is much higher and it should be redouble care. Regular cleaning should include waterers and feeders, not just the area where there is waste.
Another preventive measure is to control the number of birds. A high population density increases the risk of chlamydia and makes it more difficult to keep everything disinfected. Whenever you decide to adopt or foster a new bird, quarantine it before introducing it to other birds. In this way, you will be able to detect any clinical signs before running the risk of transmitting any disease to other he althy birds. This is especially important for those associations or rescue centers that collect birds in compromised conditions in order to help them. In particular cases, again, we insist on the importance of having enough space at home so that the bird or birds can enjoy a good quality of life.
Finally, Visiting an exotic animal veterinarian regularly is a highly recommended preventive measure. Not only dogs and cats need veterinary care. In birds, regular visits also allow early identification of any change or problem, improving the prognosis.
