Chlamydia Psittaci (Psittacosis)

Chlamydia (Chlamydia psittaci) is a type of bacteria that is sometimes found in birds and is able to be spread from birds to people (i.e. it is zoonotic). It is important to know about this bacteria because it has the potential to cause serious disease in both birds and people. The disease is commonly referred to as ‘Psittacosis’ when it causes illness in humans and as ‘Avian Chlamydiosis’ when it causes illness in birds.

What are the signs?

Avian Chlamydiosis in birds can cause a number of different signs including conjunctivitis (red, sore, watery eyes), sneezing, nasal discharge (look for staining of the feathers above the nostrils), trouble breathing (look for increased chest movement when breathing and tail bobbing at rest), decreased appetite, weight loss, lethargy (look for sleeping and fluffing of feathers), diarrhoea, watery droppings, liver disease, poor feather quality, neurological signs and infertility. It is rare for birds to have all these signs, so presentation can vary greatly between birds. It is also quite common for birds to be carriers of this bacterium without showing any signs of disease. This is why we think it important to test new birds. Psittacosis in people can cause severe flu-like symptoms and pneumonia. If you have signs such as fever, chills, muscle pains, cough, shortness of breath and fatigue, it is recommended that you discuss the possibility of Psittacosis with your GP.

Budgerigar being swabbed for a Chlamydia PCR

Biliverdin (green) droppings which can be a sign of liver disease

How is Chlamydia psittaci spread?

The Chlamydia bacterium is shed in faeces, saliva, and respiratory secretions. It can be transmitted by ingestion of food or water contaminated through bird droppings.  The most common mode of infection in people is by inhaling dust from dried faeces, feather dander or respiratory secretions (for example when the bird sneezes). It can also be transmitted in the egg to chicks. Birds can shed the bacteria and be contagious before they start to show signs of disease.

How can we detect it?

In a living bird, a Chlamydia PCR swab is the best testing we have available currently. This is collected from the eye, choana (slit in roof of mouth) and cloaca (bottom) and does not require sedation. Disease can be hard to detect and false negatives can occur if the bird is not actively shedding, especially if currently being treated with antibiotics. The turnaround time from sample collection to results is 1-2 weeks. 

How can we treat it?

The most effective treatment against Chlamydia is a long course of an antibiotic called Doxycycline. This is can either be administered as a long-acting injection once every 5-7 days for 6 treatments, in water medicating for 45 days or as an oral medication. In birds who are severely unwell, hospitalisation and additional supportive care may be required at the beginning of treatment.

All in contact birds need to be treated simultaneously to reduce the chance of carriers and reinfection. While treatment is usually very effective in improving clinical signs and will cure most case, neither is 100% guaranteed to cure and a chronic carrier state is possible. This is particularly a risk in birds who do not drink enough of the medicated drinking water.

What can I do to prevent it?

• Quarantine – whenever you get a new bird, it is recommended to keep it isolated from any existing birds for AT LEAST 14 days (Ideally 6 weeks). This allows you to observe for potential signs of illness before it has a chance to spread to your other birds. We strongly recommend a vet check during this time.  This is a chance to ensure you have bought a healthy bird, screen for common diseases and discuss diet, training, and other aspects of care for your new bird.

  
  

• Hygiene and cleanliness – the Chlamydia bacterium is fragile and will only survive a few days in the environment. Common household bleach or F10 is effective as a disinfectant. Keeping the cage/aviary clean, especially cleaning faeces from food and water bowls and perches, will reduce the spread of disease in the birds as well as reducing the risk to your health. When cleaning an affected aviary, it is often a good idea to gently mist the floor with water before sweeping or scraping up the faeces to minimise dust which can be inhaled. Wearing a face mask can also reduce your exposure. Pet birds should not be held up to your face and you should always wash your hands after handling.

More questions?

Feel free to call us here at the Melbourne Bird Veterinary Clinic and we will be happy to discuss your circumstance in detail and answer any further questions you might have.