Page content: What is psittacosis? | Where is psittacosis found? | How is psittacosis spread? | What are the symptoms in humans? | I think I may be infected with psittacosis - what should I do? | How can I avoid getting psittacosis in the workplace? | Download document

What is psittacosis?

It is a bacterial infection of both wild and domestic birds that can also affect people. In birds it is also known as Avian Chlamydiosis (AC).

Where is psittacosis found?

Birds, especially ducks, turkeys, parrots and pigeons (squab) can carry the disease. Birds do not have to be sick to spread the disease.

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 bird secretions can remain infectious for many months.

The risk of getting the disease is greater when the birds are under stress, for example, just before being slaughtered or if they are in a crowded environment.

You may also unknowingly come into contact with infected birds during slaughtering, plucking, feeding, picking up birds or cleaning feeding stations at work.

Mowing grass without a catcher, especially under or around bird feeders has been associated with infection. The spread of psittacosis from person to person is rare.

What are the symptoms in humans?

Psittacosis in humans may cause a flu-like illness or pneumonia.

Symptoms may include: fever and chills, headache, aching muscles and joints, while cough is characteristically dry or may not be present. If pneumonia occurs, symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain may occur.

I think I may be infected with psittacosis - 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 in the workplace?

• Try to avoid stressing birds through overcrowding or cold conditions.
• Do not process birds if they appear ill.
• Wear gloves and respiratory protection (e.g. a P2 particulate mask) when cleaning sheds, slaughtering and processing poultry.
• Wet down the area prior to cleaning to prevent unnecessary dust movement. Do not use a vacuum cleaner, as this will disperse dust into the air.
• Do not allow birds to get close to your face.
• After contact with birds, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water especially prior to eating food, drinking or smoking and prior to leaving the workplace.
• Avoid interaction between wild birds and poultry flocks.
• Control rodents.
• Discourage wild birds from settling near growing sheds.

For further information, contact the Communicable Diseases Section at the Department of Human Services on (61 3) 1300 651 160.

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Psittacosis - information for poultry processing workers (47kb, pdf)