Definition: Psittacosis describes a form of the Chlamydia bacterium that birds can carry. It is a zoonotic bacteria, meaning that the infection is contagious, and can pass from birds to humans and other animals.
Birds can be carriers of Psittacosis without showing any outward symptoms. Symptomatic birds often become lethargic, show breathing difficulty, present eye infections and inflammation, and have runny, watery droppings.
The presence of Psittacosis can be confirmed through testing with an avian veterinarian. If Psittacosis is found, the most common course of treatment includes antibiotic therapy. Left untreated, the disease can result in death.
Because the disease is so highly contagious, birds that test positive for Psittacosis must be kept quarantined until they recieve a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. Strict precautions must be taken when caring for Psittacosis infected birds to prevent yourself from contracting the disease. Never attempt to administer any sort of care to a bird that is suspected of having Psittacosis without the supervision of a qualified avian veterinarian.
Birds can be carriers of Psittacosis without showing any outward symptoms. Symptomatic birds often become lethargic, show breathing difficulty, present eye infections and inflammation, and have runny, watery droppings.
The presence of Psittacosis can be confirmed through testing with an avian veterinarian. If Psittacosis is found, the most common course of treatment includes antibiotic therapy. Left untreated, the disease can result in death.
Because the disease is so highly contagious, birds that test positive for Psittacosis must be kept quarantined until they recieve a clean bill of health from a veterinarian. Strict precautions must be taken when caring for Psittacosis infected birds to prevent yourself from contracting the disease. Never attempt to administer any sort of care to a bird that is suspected of having Psittacosis without the supervision of a qualified avian veterinarian.
Pronunciation: Sit-a-co-sis
Also Known As: Parrot Fever, Ornithosis
Common Misspellings: Sitacosis, Psitacosis
Examples:
There was a big Psittacosis scare in pet shops around the country in January of 2008.
