Page content: What is psittacosis? | What are the symptoms in humans? | Where is psittacosis found? | How is psittacosis spread? | What about my pet bird? | I think I may be infected - what should I do? | How can I avoid getting psittacosis? | Further information

What is psittacosis?

Psittacosis is bacterial disease of both wild and domestic birds that can affect people. In birds it is also known as avian chlamydiosis (AC).

What are the symptoms in humans?

Psittacosis in humans may cause a flu-like illness or pneumonia. Symptoms may include fever, headache, aching muscles and chills, while cough is characteristically dry or may be absent. If pneumonia occurs, symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain may occur.

Where is psittacosis found?

Birds, especially parrots, can carry the disease. Birds do not have to be sick to spread the disease. Rarely ill cats, dogs, goats or sheep can spread infection.

How is psittacosis spread?

The disease is spread by breathing in the bacteria which is present in the infected bird?s droppings, nose or eye secretions. Dried secretions can remain infectious for many months. The risk of getting the disease is greater when the birds are under stress, for example just after being bought. You may unknowingly come into contact with infected birds while feeding wild birds, cleaning feeding stations or cleaning contaminated aviaries. The spread of psittacosis from person to person is rare.

What about my pet bird?

Sick birds may have eye or nasal discharge or ruffled feathers, and may feed poorly. If your bird is ill seek advice from your vet. Stop wild birds getting close to your pet bird?s cage as they can spread disease.

I think I may be infected - what should I do?

See your local doctor and tell them about your contact with birds. This disease can be readily treated with antibiotics.

How can I avoid getting psittacosis?

Avoid contact with wild birds and do not feed wild birds.

Try to avoid stressing birds by crowding or cold conditions and do not buy birds which appear ill.

Wear gloves and a dust mask when cleaning cages and wet down the area prior to cleaning to prevent dust formation. Don?t use an ordinary vacuum cleaner as it can throw infectious dust into the air.

Clean cages, food and water bowls daily and use litter which creates dust such as newspaper.

Use a 1:100 diluted solution of household bleach to disinfect any ill bird?s cage, bowl etc. Throw away material which cannot be disinfected and rinse all disinfected items before replacing them.

Do not allow birds to get close to your face and wash hands thoroughly after contact with birds.

Further information

• Your local doctor
• Better Health Channel
• Victorian Department of Human Services, Telephone: 1300 651 160