Psittacosis

TL;DR. Infezione batterica altamente contagiosa negli uccelli, zoonotica; antibiotici prolungati e igiene rigorosa.

Letargia e piumaggio arruffato sono segni aspecifici frequenti.

Cos'è?

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).

Cause e fattori di rischio

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.

Segni da osservare

• 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)

Congiuntivite e secrezione nasale sono segni respiratori comuni.

Come diagnosticano i veterinari

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

Opzioni di trattamento

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.

Prognosi

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

Prevenzione

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.

Quando chiamare il veterinario

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.

Fonti

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

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