Psittacosis

Alternate Names : Ornithosis, Chlamydia Psittaci, Parrot Fever

What can be done to prevent the infection?

Bird breeders and owners can protect themselves by avoiding the dust from the feathers and the cages of sick birds. If infected birds are discovered, they need to be treated. Their cages must be disinfected before further use. A person who has contact with sick birds should be watched for symptoms of psittacosis.

What are the long-term effects of the infection?

In rare cases, a person with psittacosis can develop infections of the heart, liver, brain, or spinal cord.

What are the risks to others?

It is unusual for humans to pass the psittacosis infection to each other.