Blaby District Council

Summary

Psittacosis is a chest disease caused by a germ called chlamydia. The disease is also known as 'Ornithosis', 'parrot fever' and 'sick parrot disease'.

Further information

How can I catch it?

• The germ is present in the droppings and feathers of birds which are carrying the disease. These are usually parrots, parakeets, cockatiels and love birds but can be any type of bird.
• Humans catch it by breathing in the germ from dried droppings or dust. It can take between 1-4 weeks for you to become ill.

What are the symptoms?

In humans:

• Psittacosis causes symptoms which are very similar to flu, i.e. headache, fever, muscular pains, skin rashes and in the latter stages, a cough.
• If you have all of these symptoms it does not necessarily mean that you have caught the disease but tell your Doctor if you have been in contact with birds and your symptoms last longer than a cold (e.g. three days).

In birds:

• Inactivity, ruffled feathers, loss of appetite and rapid weight loss are all indications that the bird is not well. If you observe these symptoms or a bird which you own dies suddenly, you should contact your vet. They will be able to confirm whether or not the bird has Psittacosis.
• It is important to realise that birds which appear healthy can be carrying the Psittacosis germ.

Is there any treatment?

If the disease is diagnosed in the early stages, both humans and birds can be treated and cured with antibiotics.

Untreated, the bird will certainly die, and the human infection can be so severe that it is fatal, although this is rare.

Is there anything I should do whilst I am ill?

You can still mix with other people but if you cough you should use a paper tissue which must be carefully disposed of down the toilet. Cages, aviaries or the place where the bird has been kept will need to be disinfected. Your vet will advise you of the best way of doing this.

Will I need to stay off work/school?

You can return to work or school as soon as you feel well enough.

If I keep birds, what precautions can I take?

Always quarantine new birds. It is good practice to keep new birds separate from your existing birds for about one month, as they could have become infected before you bought them. If you are unwell, tell your Doctor that you keep birds. Only buy and sell healthy looking birds. Keep cages and aviaries clean and disinfected using chemicals recommended by your vet. Immediately isolate any bird which looks poorly by placing it in a 'hospital' cage, the front of which should be covered by plastic or cloth to prevent draughts.

Contact us

Officer / Team	Commercial Environmental Health Team
Postal address	Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP
E-mail address	env.health@blaby.gov.uk
Telephone	0116 272 7555
Fax	0116 272 7594

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This page was last updated on 4th September 2009