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 bacteria . called Chlamydophila psittaci. It is a significant disease in wild birds, parrots, and parrot-like birds, but can also affect pigeons and commercial poultry flocks of ducks and turkeys.

How is it 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.

The bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci can spread through:

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

What are the symptoms of the disease in birds?

Parrots

Signs you may see in parrots include:

  • swollen eyelids
  • nasal discharge
  • sneezing
  • depression
  • ruffled feathers
  • weight loss
  • loss of appetite
  • bright green diarrhoea
  • feather colouration changes
  • occasionally nervous signs, or even sudden death

Pigeons

Infected pigeons often show no signs, however in some cases, signs of depression, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and diarrhoea have been reported.

Management and treatment

If you suspect psittacosis in your birds, it is essential to seek veterinary care promptly. A veterinarian will diagnose the disease and provide advice on management and treatment. Here are some steps your veterinarian may recommend:

  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 and toys. 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 with wild birds and avoid overcrowding in bird cages or aviaries. Avoid unnecessary handling of sick birds.

How can I prevent this from infecting my birds?

Prevention is the key to keeping your birds healthy. Steps to achieving this include:

  • Regularly schedule check-ups with an avian veterinarian.
  • Take all measures to prevent any contact with wild birds.
  • Maintain cleanliness in your bird's environment.
  • Isolate new birds before introducing them to your flock.
  • Educate yourself about psittacosis and its symptoms to detect it early.

Report confirmed or suspected cases of psittacosis.

Because of the potential to cause disease in humans, you and your veterinarian must advise Agriculture within 12 hours if you know of (or suspect) psittacosis in any of your birds. This is a legal requirement. Not notifying us carries significant penalties.   This disease is classified as a  non-exotic notifiable disease in Victoria.

Notifying us

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

Page last updated: 27 Nov 2023