Compendium of Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis) Control, 1998

Provided by Virginia Department of Agriculture

Summary

Infection with Chlamydia psittaci, referred to here as avian chlamydiosis (AC), is an important cause of systemic illness in companion birds (i.e., birds kept by humans as pets) and poultry. Infection can be transmitted from infected birds to humans. In humans, infection caused by C. psittaci is referred to as psittacosis, which can result in severe pneumonia. This compendium provides information on AC and psittacosis (also known as parrot disease, parrot fever, and ornithosis) to public health officials, veterinarians, physicians, the companion-bird industry, and others concerned with control of these diseases and protection of public health. These recommendations provide effective, standardized disease control procedures for AC in companion birds and will be reviewed and revised as necessary.