Psittacosis, also known as ornithosis, parrot fever, or chlamydiosis, is an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans from infected birds in the parrot family. This includes parrots, macaws, budgerigars (parakeets or budgies), cockatiels, domestic turkeys, and pigeons. The disease is caused by bacteria called Chlamydia psittaci.
Psittacosis is more commonly found in individuals who come into contact with birds in the parrot family. This includes pet store workers, bird owners, zoo employees, and veterinarians. It may also rarely be found in farmers and slaughterhouse workers who process poultry, particularly turkeys. However, due to regulations in the pet bird trade, psittacosis is now less common than it used to be.
Psittacosis is typically spread through the inhalation of dust from dried droppings in birdcages or by handling infected birds in slaughterhouses. It’s important to note that waste material in the birdcage can remain infectious for weeks.
In humans, the symptoms of psittacosis include fever, headache, chills, muscle pains, cough, and sometimes breathing difficulty or pneumonia. If left untreated, the disease can be severe and even result in death, especially in older individuals. Some people may only experience a mild flu-like illness or have no symptoms at all.
In birds, the symptoms of psittacosis 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 also worth noting that some birds may shed the bacteria while exhibiting only mild or no symptoms at all.
Laboratory tests on blood, respiratory secretions, or other tissues are used to diagnose the presence of the bacteria in both humans and birds. If an individual is diagnosed with psittacosis, antibiotics such as tetracycline or doxycycline are often prescribed for treatment.
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 is also recommended to test and/or separate birds that have been in contact with other birds outside the home to reduce the chance of bird-to-bird spread. When purchasing birds, it is advisable to only buy healthy, U.S.-bred birds from reputable sources. If you notice any signs of illness in your bird, consult with a veterinarian. If you develop symptoms of psittacosis, it is important to consult with a physician and mention any bird contact.
For professional bird poop cleaning services in Bangkok, including sanitizing, disinfecting, removing, and cleaning bird poop, droppings, eggs, birds, chicks, and nests from balconies, homes, storage, and factories, contact Bird Poop Cleaning at:
Phone: 082-797-3702 Email: hello@khunclean.com
Our expert team is here to assist you with all your bird poop cleaning needs.