Psittacosis virus for birds

 Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, not a virus. In birds, the condition is commonly referred to as avian chlamydiosis or "parrot fever". 

Symptoms in Birds

Infected birds may show a variety of signs, though some remain asymptomatic carriers and only shed the bacteria during times of stress (e.g., shipping, overcrowding, or breeding).

• Respiratory: Nasal or ocular discharge, swollen eyes, sneezing, and labored breathing.
• Digestive: Lime-green or yellow-green diarrhea/droppings and poor appetite.
• General: Ruffled feathers, lethargy, weight loss, and depression.
• Severe Cases: Sudden death or neurological signs like trembling and seizures.

Transmission

The bacteria are highly contagious among birds and spread through:

• Inhalation: Breathing in dust from dried droppings, feathers, or respiratory secretions.
• Direct Contact: Beak-to-beak contact or contaminated food and water.
• Other Routes: It can be passed vertically from parent birds to chicks or eggs and, rarely, through blood-sucking insects like mites.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis: Veterinarians use blood tests (measuring antibodies), X-rays to check for an enlarged liver or spleen, and PCR assays on fecal or respiratory swabs.
• Treatment: The primary treatment is a 45-day course of Doxycycline. Shorter treatments may be ineffective because the bacteria can remain dormant and reactivate later.
• Prevention: Isolate new birds for at least 30 days, maintain clean cages, and use disinfectants to wet surfaces before cleaning to prevent dust from becoming airborne. 

Zoonotic Risk to Humans

Humans can contract psittacosis primarily by inhaling contaminated dust. It typically causes a flu-like illness or atypical pneumonia. For more detailed human prevention protocols, refer to the CDC Psittacosis Guidelines.