Psittacosis, also known as ornithosis, parrot fever, or chlamydiosis, is an infectious disease that can be spread to humans from infected birds in the parrot family. This includes birds such as parrots, macaws, budgerigars (parakeets or budgies), and cockatiels. It’s important to note that domestic turkeys and pigeons have also been known to infect people. The bacteria responsible for psittacosis is called Chlamydia psittaci.
Psittacosis primarily affects individuals who come into contact with birds in the parrot family. This includes pet store workers, bird owners, zoo employees, and veterinarians. In rare cases, farmers and slaughterhouse workers who process poultry, especially turkeys, may also be at risk. However, it’s worth mentioning that psittacosis is a rare disease in the United States, with fewer than 10 cases reported per year since 2010. This is due to the implementation of modern laws that regulate the pet bird trade, making psittacosis less common than it used to be.
Psittacosis is typically spread through the inhalation of dust particles from dried bird droppings or by handling infected birds in slaughterhouses. It’s important to note that waste material in bird cages can remain infectious for weeks.
In humans, psittacosis can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, muscle pains, cough, and sometimes breathing difficulty or pneumonia. If left untreated, the disease can become severe and even result in death, particularly in older individuals. However, some people may only experience mild flu-like symptoms or have no symptoms at all. In birds, the symptoms may include poor appetite, ruffled appearance, eye or nose discharge, green or yellow-green droppings, and diarrhea. Occasionally, birds may die from the disease. It’s important to note that some birds may shed the bacteria without exhibiting any noticeable symptoms.
The incubation period for psittacosis, which is the time from exposure to the onset of symptoms, typically ranges from 5 to 19 days. However, longer periods have been reported in some cases.
Laboratory tests on blood, respiratory secretions, or other tissues are used to identify the presence of the bacteria in both humans and birds.
No, past infection with psittacosis does not provide permanent immunity to the disease. It is possible to become infected again in the future.
Antibiotics, such as tetracycline or doxycycline, are commonly prescribed to treat individuals infected with psittacosis.
To prevent the spread of psittacosis, it is important to clean bird cages frequently to prevent the accumulation and drying of droppings, which can create airborne particles. It’s also recommended to test and/or separate birds that have had contact with other birds outside the home in order to reduce the risk of bird-to-bird transmission. When purchasing birds, it is advisable to only buy healthy birds from reputable sources, preferably those bred in the United States. It is also crucial to consult with a veterinarian about any bird illnesses. If a person develops signs of psittacosis, it is essential to seek medical attention and inform the physician about any recent bird contact.
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