Psittacosis

TL;DR. Hoch ansteckende bakterielle Infektion bei Vögeln, zoonotisch; lange Antibiotikatherapie und strikte Hygiene.

Lethargie und gesträubtes Gefieder sind häufige unspezifische Zeichen.

Was ist das?

Psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis) is infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). Affects many bird species (especially psittacines, pigeons, poultry) and is zoonotic ("parrot fever" in people).

Ursachen und Risikofaktoren

Inhalation or ingestion of bacteria shed in feces, urine, nasal secretions, and dander. Survives in dried organic material. Stress flares latent carriage. New birds without quarantine, wild-bird contact, and poor sanitation raise risk.

Anzeichen

• Lethargy, ruffled feathers, anorexia (cardinal)
• Lime-green/yellow-green urates (liver involvement)
• Nasal/ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, tail bobbing (common)
• Neurologic signs or sudden death (severe/rare)

Konjunktivitis und Nasenausfluss sind gängige Atemzeichen.

Diagnose

History and exam. PCR on choanal/cloacal swabs (intermittent shedding). Serology, CBC, radiographs. One negative test does not prove freedom from infection.

Behandlung

Doxycycline for typically 45 consecutive days (gold standard). Remove high-calcium sources during oral therapy. Alternatives e.g. azithromycin if not tolerated. Supportive care and biosecurity.

Prognose

Good to excellent with early full course. Guarded if advanced organ damage or concurrent PBFD. Reinfection possible.

Vorbeugung

30-45 day quarantine and testing of new birds; daily cleaning with effective disinfectants; reduce stress; limit wild-bird contact; PPE when cleaning suspect cages.

Wann den Tierarzt rufen

Emergency: open-mouth breathing/heavy tail bobbing, bottom-sitting, no food/water 12-24 h, severe lime-green droppings, neurologic signs. Humans with flu-like illness after bird contact should tell a physician.

Quellen

• Plumb's Veterinary Drug Handbook, pp. 1288, 1296, 1300.

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