What is psittacosis?
Psittacosis, also known as
parrot fever, is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci.
Psittacosis is commonly found in parrots, but can infect both wild and
domesticated birds and humans.
What are the symptoms?
The incubation period for
psittacosis is between 1 and 4 weeks following exposure to the bacteria. The
symptoms in humans may resemble a flu-like illness with fever, chills, headache,
weakness and muscle aches. Other symptoms may be a dry cough, chest pain and
breathlessness, and in severe cases pneumonia may develop.
In birds, symptoms may include
diarrhoea, weakness, runny eyes or nose, ruffled feathers, or the bird not
eating. It is possible that birds may not have any symptoms yet still shed the
bacteria, especially when stressed.
Who does it affect?
Psittacosis can affect people
who work with birds such as pet shop owners, veterinarians, and people who keep
birds including parrots, cockatiels, ducks and geese. Psittacosis may also occur
in people who have not had any contact with birds.
How is psittacosis diagnosed
and treated?
Psittacosis in humans is
diagnosed by blood testing, and then treated with antibiotics.
How is psittacosis spread?
Psittacosis is spread from
birds to humans by inhalation of bacteria that are present in dried bird
droppings, secretions and dust from the feathers of infectious birds. The
bacteria may survive in dust for several months. Person to person spread of the
bacteria has not been documented.
Prevention
- Avoiding contact with birds,
including those in suburban parks may prevent psittacosis.
- Strict hygiene measures,
including washing of hands, should be observed when handling birds. Kissing pet
birds may also transmit the bacteria and is therefore not advised.
- An absorbent material such as
newspaper should be placed in the bottom of the trays. Faecal material should
not be allowed to accumulate.
- A toxic dust mask or P2
respirator should be used when cleaning cages. These are available at hardware
stores and suppliers of cleaning products.
Cage Cleaning:
-
When cleaning cages of birds
it is important to wear protective clothing, gloves and a toxic dust mask or a
P2 respirator.
-
Prior to cleaning bird
droppings and cages should be dampened to prevent the spread of dust particles.
-
Faecal material and newspaper
lining the bottom of the cage should be discarded where they will not cause harm
to others.
-
Cages should be disinfected
using bleach – a one percent solution is adequate.
-
Vacuuming of cages is not
recommended as a cleaning method, as this may result in the bacteria becoming
airborne and spreading, thereby increasing the number of people exposed.
Psittacosis is a
notifiable disease.