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.
- Captive Psittacines with Chlamydia avium Infection.
Avian diseases · 2020 · France
In a study of birds in a large aviary, some psittacine birds (like parrots) were found to be infected with a type of bacteria called Chlamydia avium, which can cause illness. The affected birds showed signs of being very tired, having trouble breathing, and some even died. Tests confirmed the infection, and doctors found damage mainly in the spleen and digestive system. Blood t
- : A zoonotic pathogen causing avian chlamydiosis and psittacosis.
Virulence · 2024 · China
This research discusses a type of bacteria that can make birds sick with a condition called avian chlamydiosis and can also affect humans, causing a disease known as psittacosis. The bacteria can spread between birds and, in some cases, can even be passed from one species to another, including from humans to humans. The study looks at various aspects of the bacteria, including
- 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
- Compendium of psittacosis (chlamydiosis) control, 1997. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports · 1997 · United States
Chlamydia psittaci is a germ that can make pet birds, like parrots, very sick. This illness, known as avian chlamydiosis or parrot fever, can also spread to humans and cause serious problems, including pneumonia. The information in this report is aimed at helping veterinarians, public health officials, and others manage and control this disease to keep both birds and people saf
- Zoonotic potential of-a case report.
Frontiers in veterinary science · 2025 · United States
Chlamydiosis, also known as psittacosis, is an infection caused by a specific bacterium that can affect both birds and humans. In this case, a dead cockatiel and two budgerigars were tested, along with a child who lived with them. The tests showed that the birds were infected, but the child did not have the infection in their blood. This situation highlights the importance of g
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.