Parrot fever

What is parrot fever?

Parrot fever is also known as psittacosis or chlamydiosis. It is a disease that affects birds around the world and is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia psittaci. It is a significant disease in wild birds, parrots, and parrot-like birds, but can also affect pigeons and commercial poultry flocks.

Spread

Wild birds, particularly parrots, are the natural host for the bacteria and usually carry it without showing any symptoms. The shedding of the bacteria occurs when the birds are under stress. This often happens during the spring when the birds are mating, nesting, and chick rearing.

Spread of Chlamydia psittaci can occur through:

  • Inhaling airborne particles contaminated with the bacterium.
  • Close contact with an infected bird's feathers, droppings or other secretions
  • Contact with contaminated surfaces, cages, or equipment.

Symptoms of the disease in birds

Signs you may see in infected birds include:

  • Respiratory signs: Swollen eyelids, nasal discharge, sneezing
  • General condition: Depression, weight loss, loss of appetite, diarrhoea
  • Feather and appearance changes: Ruffled feathers, colour changes
  • Neurological signs: Occasional nervous signs or sudden death

Management and treatment

If you suspect psittacosis in your birds, it is essential to seek veterinary care promptly and to confirm whether or not psittacosis is present. Here are some steps your veterinarian may recommend once psittacosis has been confirmed:

  1. Isolation of infected birds: Separate the infected bird(s) from healthy ones to prevent further spread.
  2. Administer medication prescribed by your veterinarian: Antibiotics such as doxycycline in feed or drinking water for 5 - 6 weeks are commonly prescribed for psittacosis.
  3. Quarantine: New birds should be quarantined before introducing them to an existing flock to prevent potential outbreaks.
  4. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene in your bird's living environment. Regularly clean cages, food dishes, toys and perches. Use detergent-based cleaning chemicals followed by a sanitiser. Use a mask, gloves and eye protection when cleaning cages or handling sick birds and wash your hands thoroughly after these activities.
  5. Limit exposure: Minimise contact of your birds with wild birds and avoid overcrowding in bird cages or aviaries. Avoid unnecessary handling of sick birds.
  6. Regularly schedule routine health check-ups with your veterinarian even when your birds appear healthy.

Report confirmed or suspected cases of psittacosis.

Because of the potential to cause disease in humans, psittacosis is a notifiable disease in Victoria if it is either suspected or confirmed.

There are three ways to notify Agriculture Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer of suspected notifiable diseases:

Page last updated: 26 Jun 2025