Psittacosis

Psittacosis is most commonly caught by breathing in dust containing feathers, secretions or droppings from infected birds. Less often, it is passed on through bird bites and beak-to-mouth contact.

All birds can carry the infection but pet birds are most often the birds passing the infection to people. For example, budgies, lorikeets and cockatiels.

Sick birds and infected birds without signs of illness can shed the bacteria in their droppings, mucus and saliva.

Very rarely, psittacosis is spread from person to person or from other animals.

There is no evidence that the bacteria are spread by preparing or eating poultry.

Signs and symptoms usually start within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Less commonly, people can report symptoms starting after 14 days.

The most common symptoms include:

• dry cough
• fever and chills
• headache
• muscle aches.

Most people will have a mild illness, but severe illness can lead to chest infection (pneumonia).

Older people are more likely to become seriously unwell with psittacosis.

Rare complications may include:

• inflammation of the brain (encephalitis)
• inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis).

Psittacosis is difficult to diagnose. Healthcare providers may not suspect psittacosis because the symptoms are like the symptoms for many other lung (respiratory) diseases.

If your healthcare provider suspects psittacosis, they may collect one of the following samples to send for testing:

• sputum (phlegm or spit)
• a swab from your nose or throat
• blood.

Psittacosis is treated with antibiotics. You are likely to improve quickly if you start antibiotics soon after you become unwell.

If you keep birds, it is important to test and, if necessary, treat the birds and their environment (for example, their cage). Take any sick birds to your vet so they can check what is causing the illness.

Managing sick birds

• Have sick birds checked by a vet. They can be given antibiotics if needed.
• Isolate sick birds from other birds.
• Use gloves and wear appropriate masks around infected birds and their cages.
• Avoid unnecessary handling of sick birds.

You can get psittacosis more than once. There is no vaccine to prevent the infection.

Ways to prevent getting psittacosis include washing and drying your hands thoroughly after you touch:

• birds
• their droppings
• items in their cages.

You can also reduce your risk by:

• using water or disinfectant to wet surfaces and cages before cleaning
• avoiding dry sweeping or vacuuming, which can put dust into the air.