Psittacosis (parrot fever) is a widespread
disease caused by an organism called Chlamydophila psittaci
formerly known as Chlamydia psittaci.
Transmission of psittacosis is primarily by
inhalation of infected dust from droppings or feathers, and is enhanced by close
contact with sick birds that are shedding the organism. For this reason, the
disease is most often seen in birds that have been recently imported, housed in
pet shops or boarded with other infected birds. Birds tend to shed the organism
under conditions of stress. Birds do not have to show symptoms of disease
in order to transmit Chlamydia.
There are no specific signs that are
characteristic of psittacosis.
Some birds may show general “sick” symptoms – lack of appetite; weight loss;
depression and listlessness; watery, green droppings; discharge form eyes or
nares; or even sudden death. Of course, these signs may be related to diseases
other than psittacosis. Many birds carry the Chlamydial organism but do
not show any signs of disease under stable conditions. These birds may
become sick after some stressful occurrence, or breeding birds may pass the
organism on to their offspring, which may die in the nest or at weaning. Young
birds are more susceptible to a severe debilitating infection than are adult
birds.
Positive diagnosis of psittacosis in the live
bird can be difficult. In addition to having the capability of producing
disease on its own, Chlamydia undermines the immune system and opens the body to
a host of other pathogens; thus, bacterial or viral disorders may be
concurrent. Because it is
far easier to diagnose a bacterial problem, psittacosis may be missed.
The Chlamydial organism is capable of being
transmitted from birds to humans, but this rarely occurs despite the relatively
high incidence of infection in birds.
Although psittacosis infection in humans is normally mild, it is potentially
dangerous for persons who are sick, elderly, or immunosuppressed. Persistent
“flu-like” symptoms such as fever, chills, headache, weakness, fatigue and
respiratory signs may be experienced. Because the condition in humans may be
misdiagnosed, anyone who is exposed to pet birds and who develops a prolonged
case of the flu should seek the advise of a physician.
Your avian vet can help to diagnose and/or
prevent this devastating illness. Testing for psittacosis is strongly
recommended for all birds. Birds and Exotics Animal Care will not board a
bird until a negative psittacosis result is determined.
This
is an example of a highly lipemic blood sample. The yellow portion is fat!
From this sample, we find that the pet in question has high cholesterol and
elevated triglycerides in the bloodstream. This is evidence of improper
diet, which can lead to liver disease.