Epidemiologic and laboratory observations of Chlamydia psittaci infection in pet birds
Mohan, R.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 184(11): 1372-1374
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 6735859 Document Number: 236849
Psittacosis was diagnosed in 13 (24%) of 55 pet birds in the first 3 months of 1983, compared with 18 (17%) of 103 in 1982, 4 (4.6%) of 87 in 1981, and 3 (8%) of 36 in 1980. Cases were 2 of 47 budgerigars, 8 of 45 cockatiels, 3 of 11 small parrots (lovebirds, conures), 20 of 116 medium-sized parrots, 2 of 21 macaws, and 3 of 21 cockatoos. Infected birds were from pet owners (39%), pet shops (21%), breeders and fanciers (18%), and pet bird jobbers and retailers (13%). Most frequent clinical signs were anorexia, weight loss, and diarrhoea or yellowish droppings. Major lesions were splenohepatomegaly (77%), enteritis (53%), sinusitis (47%), airsacculitis (37%), pneumonitis (23%), and pericarditis (10%). Of the 38 cases confirmed in pet birds since 1980, transmission of the disease to man was confirmed in 2, and suspected in 4 cases.