Psittacosis

TL;DR. Infection bactérienne très contagieuse chez les oiseaux, zoonotique; antibiotiques prolongés et hygiène stricte.

Léthargie et plumage ébouriffé sont des signes non spécifiques fréquents.

Qu'est-ce que c'est ?

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).

Causes et facteurs de risque

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.

Signes à surveiller

• 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)

Conjonctivite et écoulement nasal sont des signes respiratoires courants.

Comment les vétérinaires diagnostiquent

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

Options de traitement

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.

Pronostic

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

Prévention

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.

Quand appeler le vétérinaire

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.

Sources

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

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