Psittacosis (Chlamydiosis)
What is it?
Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Birds may carry it without signs and shed it in droppings and respiratory secretions. It can infect people, causing flu-like illness.
What signs should I watch for?
Signs to watch for include fluffed feathers, lethargy; eye or nasal discharge, breathing difficulty; green or watery droppings; and poor appetite, weight loss.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
Diagnosis uses blood work and specialized tests such as PCR. Treatment is a long antibiotic course, along with cleaning the environment.
Can it be prevented, and what's the outlook?
- Test new birds and quarantine them.
- Bird owners who develop flu-like symptoms should tell their doctor they keep birds.
- Psittacosis is a reportable disease.
Reviewed by the Adler Veterinary Hospital veterinary team, October 2026.
Birds, including carriers; can infect people
Who's at risk:
Fluffed feathers, eye or nose discharge, green droppings
Main signs:
See a vet within a day or two
Urgency:
When to call a vet right away
- Breathing difficulty
- Fluffed feathers and lethargy
- Poor appetite
Not sure whether it can wait? Call us anyway. Our team can help you decide.
Source:
Related conditions
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Beak & Feather Disease