Superb Parrot - Nswfmpa.org

Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, RichmondPsittacosis (Chlamydophilosis)Cause:Signs:• Contagious disease caused by the organism Chlamydophila psittaci.• One or more strains of Chlamydophila may be present in a collection.• Transmitted through contact with infected faeces; inhalation or ingestion ofaerosols or dust containing contaminated materials such as feather debris or skinscale; orally from parent to nestling.• Young birds, birds that have become stressed or birds coming in contact with adifferent strain of the disease are the most susceptible.• The majority of birds are passively infected by their parents at a young age andthen build up a natural immunity to the organism.• Dried faeces can be infective for months.• Mites, lice, flies and other insects can be vectors for spreading the disease.• Wild birds can transmit the disease from their faeces.• A zoonotic disease able to be transmitted to humans.• Eye discharge or swelling (conjunctivitis).• Blinking or partially closed eyes.• Sneezing, runny or plugged nostrils.• Laboured respiration.• A fluffed up appearance.• General lethargy and weakness.• Weight loss, poor appetite and green diarrhoea.• Sudden death.Diagnosis:• Positive diagnosis is sometimes very difficult as Chlamydophila undermines theimmune system and opens a bird’s body to other pathogens that may be occurringat the same time.• Testing of faeces, other discharges and blood but not considered accurate.• Polymerase chain reaction to multiply the organisms DNA for identification is amore accurate test.• Post mortem examination.Treatment:• Tetracycline group of drugs (chlortetracycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline) areconsidered the most effective drugs.• Doxycycline (Psittavet, Vibramycin, Virbavet) is the preferred drug.Keith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 54