BIRDS · Condition guide
Psittacosis in birds: real veterinary case reports
Psittacosis — avian chlamydiosis — is one of the most clinically significant infectious diseases of pet parrots and a documented zoonosis. Caused by Chlamydia psittaci, infected birds may show fluffed-up posture, ocular and nasal discharge, lime-green droppings (a sign of liver involvement), weight loss, and respiratory distress. Many infected birds, however, remain subclinical carriers that intermittently shed the organism — particularly under stress, after acquisition, or during breeding.
Definitive diagnosis is by PCR (typically a combined oropharyngeal/cloacal/conjunctival swab) — antibody titres alone are not reliable. Treatment is doxycycline for a minimum of 45 days, either orally or as in-feed/in-water medication for flocks. Because the disease is zoonotic and can cause severe pneumonia in humans (especially the elderly and immunocompromised), public health authorities should be informed and household members alerted to seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop.
What vets typically check for
- PCR on combined choanal + cloacal + conjunctival swab — single most sensitive test.
- CBC and biochemistry — heterophilic leukocytosis, elevated bile acids suggest hepatic involvement.
- Radiographs — air sacculitis, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly.
- Doxycycline 25-50 mg/kg PO q24h for at least 45 days (full 45-day course is essential).
- Strict household hygiene + GP awareness for human contacts (reportable in many jurisdictions).
Not a replacement for veterinary care. Use this to walk into the conversation prepared, not to self-diagnose.
Real cases from the veterinary literature
Peer-reviewed reports our semantic search surfaces for Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis). Click into any case for the full abstract — or run a personalised search with your pet's exact details.
- Zoonotic potential of Chlamydia psittaci—a case report
Frontiers in Veterinary Science · 2026 · CH
Chlamydia psittaci is a bacteria that can cause illness in birds and humans, often spreading through contact with infected birds, especially parrots. In this case, samples were taken from a dead cockatiel and two budgerigars, as well as from a child living with them. The tests showed that the birds carried the bacteria, but the child's blood did not. This situation highlights t
- Frequency of anticholinesterase insecticide positive samples in non-target animals in Thailand.
BMC veterinary research · 2026
A study in Thailand found that 26% of animals tested for poisoning from certain insecticides (anticholinesterase insecticides) were positive, with dogs being the most affected. Out of 16 positive cases, 11 were dogs, indicating they are at significant risk of accidental poisoning from these chemicals used in agriculture and pest control. The researchers noted that stomach conte
- Infectious coryza outbreak in a table egg layer flock in Alberta.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne · 2026 · Canada
A flock of 27-week-old egg-laying chickens in Alberta showed signs of respiratory illness, including swollen faces and eyelids, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. The outbreak caused a significant drop in egg production and increased mortality rates. Testing revealed the presence of infectious coryza, a highly contagious respiratory disease, and also identified another virus, in
- Gallibacterium anatis as an emerging pathogen in pet birds: biofilm formation contributes to treatment challenges and persistence.
BMC microbiology · 2025
A study found that 10.5% of pet birds tested positive for Gallibacterium anatis, a bacteria that can cause serious respiratory and reproductive issues. Birds infected with this pathogen showed severe symptoms like respiratory distress and liver damage. The bacteria were resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment difficult, but they were completely susceptible to cip
- Tibiotarsus Osteosynthesis Using Tie-in in Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot (Amazona aestiva)-Case Report
International Journal of Zoology and Animal Biology · 2025
A Blue-fronted Amazon parrot was brought in after falling and injuring its leg, which was found to have a complete fracture in the lower part of its right leg. The veterinarian performed surgery to fix the fracture using a special wire and external support. Over the next several weeks, the bird's healing was monitored with X-rays, and by day 35, the bone was healing well enough
- Safety of ribavirin in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) - a preliminary study.
Scientific reports · 2025
A group of healthy 6-month-old cockatiels was given ribavirin, an antiviral medication, to see if it was safe for treating viral infections. The birds received the drug in different ways over several weeks, and they were closely monitored for any side effects. Fortunately, no harmful reactions were observed during or after the treatment, although a slight decrease in a blood co
Frequently asked questions
- Can I catch it from my parrot?
- Yes — psittacosis is zoonotic, transmitted by inhaling dust from dried droppings or feathers. Healthy adults usually develop a flu-like illness, but elderly or immunocompromised people can develop severe pneumonia. Inform your GP if you've been exposed and develop fever, cough, or breathing problems.
- Should I get my newly-purchased bird tested?
- Strongly recommended — quarantine new birds for 6 weeks and have them tested by PCR before introducing them to existing birds or households with young, elderly, or immunocompromised members. Many breeders test routinely; reputable sources will share results.
- Why 45 days of doxycycline?
- Shorter courses do not reliably eliminate the organism — relapse is common. The 45-day course is the minimum required to clear the persistent intracellular phase of Chlamydia psittaci. Compliance is everything; never stop early just because the bird looks better.