Chlamydia in parrots: symptoms and treatment
Parrots are exotic birds, but increasingly assume the role of pets, due to their multiple attributes that make them exceptional pets, such as their sympathy, intelligence and need for companionship.
- As parrots are currently adopted as pets.
- They have generated a great interest in their health because we know that.
- Whatever the nature of our friendly animal.
- It needs care to ensure good health and an exceptional quality of life.
In this article by Animal Expert, we talk about a disease that spreads rapidly and can be transmitted to humans.
Chlamydia, also known as psitacosis, ornithosis or parrot fever, is a disease commonly caused by the bacterium Chlamydiophila Psitacci.It particularly affects parrots and parakeets, although it can also affect other birds and, being a zoonosis, can be transmitted to humans from infected animals.
This disease deserves special attention because it is highly contagious, spreads very quickly and acts by decreasing the animal’s defenses, leading to other infections that mask the symptoms of chlamydia.
The main route of transmission of chlamydia or psitacosis occurs by inhalation of dust from infected bird feces or feathers, although direct transmission through the eyes and respiratory secretions of the sick animal or through contact with infected surfaces is also possible.
Stress is a fundamental factor in the development of chlamydia in birds, as birds sometimes carry this bacteria and are healthy (although they can transmit the infection), they do not manifest the disease unless they have a stress condition.
The symptoms of chlamydia or ornitosis in parrots are not specific to this disease, that is, they do not correspond only to this disease, but may belong to the clinical picture of multiple pathologies, this is partly because chlamydia reduces the defenses of animals, which leads to a greater vulnerability to the spread of multiple other diseases.
Sometimes chlamydia in birds can lead to sudden death of our pet, so it is important to recognize the symptoms that may be indicative of this disease:
In the presence of these signs, it is very important to go urgently to the veterinarian so that he can make a diagnosis and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Stay alert: no food for parrots
Diagnosis of chlamydia or psitacosis can be complex, since in the particular case of this bacterium, usable laboratory tests are not 100% reliable.
To diagnose chlamydia in parrots, the veterinarian will perform a comprehensive physical examination, taking into account the animal’s medical history. As for laboratory measures, there are two tests:
The treatment of chlamydia, also known as ornitosis, in parrots, as well as its efficacy and prognosis of the disease, may vary depending on the overall health of the bird, the age and the presence of secondary infections, and it is always necessary to isolate the animal and administer antibiotics for a minimum of 45 days. Administrative channels can be:
After the treatment period is over, the veterinarian may suggest that further laboratory tests be carried out to verify the effectiveness of the treatment, in addition to recommending that the birds that have been in contact with the infected parrot also undergo drug treatment.
The infection of chlamydia from a bird to a person is rare and does not cause severity, showing symptoms in the affected person, similar to the flu or cold, however, can have fatal consequences in children, the elderly, pregnant women and immunocompromised people..
To prevent the parrot from having chlamydia and infecting a person, it is very helpful to follow the following tips:
Chlamydia contamination between birds and humans can be prevented if we take simple hygiene measures, so it is important to take into account the recommendations described above.
Also related: Domestic birds: 6 best species to have at home
This article is for information only, on Animal Expert.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis.We suggest that you take your pet to the vet in case of any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Bacterial Diseases section.