Ziekteverwekker
Psittacosis is a bacterial disease. Chlamydia psittaci is the main causative agent of chlamydiosis in birds. This bacterium can only survive and reproduce in a living host cell.
Gevoelige diersoorten
Chlamydia infections have been identified in at least 465 bird species, particularly cage birds (especially parrots), garden birds (such as sparrows and pigeons), colony-breeding birds (such as egrets and herons), flightless birds, birds of prey, and poultry. Among domesticated species, turkeys and ducks are most frequently affected.
Symptomen dieren
Prolonged infections without clinical symptoms that persist for months to years are common and are considered the normal relationship between the Chlamydia bacterium and the host. The frequency of infection varies significantly between species and by geographical location.
Clinical symptoms include:
- Nasal and ocular discharge
- Inflammation of the conjunctiva/mucous membrane (conjunctivitis)
- Inflammation of the nasal sinuses (sinusitis)
- Green to yellow-green, soft to watery droppings (diarrhea)
- Fever
- Passive and lethargic behavior
- Ruffled feathers
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
- Enlarged abdominal cavity due to enlargement of the liver and spleen (hepatosplenomegaly)
- Weight loss
- Decrease in egg production
In parrots, respiratory problems, lethargy, weakness, green droppings, and an enlarged abdominal cavity are common. Many parrots are subclinically infected, which means that the disease is present but does not (yet) cause noticeable symptoms.
Besmetting dieren
Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route or by inhalation. Respiratory fluids and droppings from infected birds contain the bacterium, which is resistant to desiccation and can remain infectious for several months when protected by organic material (e.g., litter and droppings). The bacterium is spread by airborne particles and dust. Transmission via arthropods through blood-sucking ectoparasites, such as ticks and fleas, is possible. Parent-to-egg transmission (vertical transmission) has been documented in various bird species, including turkeys, chickens, and ducks. The disease usually does not become visible until after 3 to 10 days, but in older birds or after contact with a small amount of the virus, this may take several weeks to appear.
Besmetting mensen
Avian chlamydiosis is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans after exposure to the bacterium via airborne particles (aerosols) released from the digestive tract or respiratory system of infected live or dead birds. Humans can experience flu-like symptoms, but also more serious symptoms such as pneumonia and sepsis. Read more about psittacosis on the RIVM website: Psittacosis | RIVM.