How do birds get Chlamydia psittaci?
C. psittaci can be passed from bird to bird as well as from bird to human, usually by inhaling or ingesting contaminated fecal matter or dust.
What is avian Chlamydia?
Chlamydia psittaci is a type of bacteria that often infects birds. Less commonly, these bacteria can infect people and cause a disease called psittacosis. Psittacosis can cause mild illness or pneumonia (lung infection). To help prevent this illness, follow good precautions when handling and cleaning birds and cages.
Is bird Chlamydia the same as human?
Chlamydia psittaci is a bacterium that can be transmitted from pet birds to hu- mans. In humans, the resulting infection is referred to as psittacosis (also known as parrot disease, parrot fever, and ornithosis).
What are the symptoms of psittacosis in humans?
In humans, the symptoms are fever, headache, chills, muscle pains, cough, and sometimes breathing difficulty or pneumonia. If left untreated, the disease can be severe, and even result in death, especially in older people.
Can birds catch Chlamydia?
Psittacosis is a disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. This bacterium is zoonotic, which means that it can be transmitted to people from birds and vice versa. This is why it is important for all bird owners to know about this disease and how to keep your birds and yourself safe.
How contagious is avian chlamydia?
Avian chlamydiosis is typically transmitted to humans via inhalation of aerosolized dusty feces and secretions from infected birds. Human to human transmission rarely occurs, and is not a major concern as a source of infection.
What are the symptoms of Chlamydia in birds?
The clinical signs may include anorexia, lethargy, ruffled feathers, serous or mucopurulent oculonasal discharge, and weight loss. Some birds develop respiratory signs ranging from sneezing to respiratory distress. Conjunctivitis and diarrhea with green to yellowish droppings may also be seen.
How do I know if my dog has Chlamydia?
Does your dog appear to have swollen, red or inflamed eyes? Is your dog persistently trying to scratch their eyes? Are your dog’s eyes watering or producing any form of discharge? All of these could potentially be symptoms of Chlamydia.
How long does human psittacosis last?
The course of the disease is variable and it can result in death. However, fatal cases are rare. In mild cases, fever may continue for three weeks or more.
