Chlamydia psittaci testing

Pathogen overview

Causes respiratory infection, conjunctivitis and systemic disease, with zoonotic (psittacosis) risk to handlers. A key public-health monitoring item.

Transmission

Spread by inhalation of aerosols and dust containing the pathogen and by contact with contaminated ocular and nasal secretions, and also by the faecal-oral route; there is a zoonotic risk.

Main impact

Causes conjunctivitis, rhinitis, difficulty breathing and systemic infection, leading to wasting and reproductive disorders; it can also infect handlers, causing psittacosis and other public-health problems.

Why testing matters

Confirms chlamydial infection and assesses zoonotic risk, guides antibacterial treatment and personal protection, and is an important item for import quarantine and health management in larger lofts.

Common symptoms

• ◆ Conjunctivitis, lacrimation
• ◆ Difficulty breathing, nasal discharge
• ◆ Diarrhoea, wasting
• ◆ Depression

Differential diagnosis

Must be differentiated from respiratory pathogens such as Mycoplasma and Newcastle disease; Chlamydia psittaci is characterised by ocular inflammation, respiratory signs and a zoonotic risk.

Incubation period

Incubation period 5–14 days; spread by the respiratory and digestive routes, and it is a zoonosis.

Diagnostic methods

Collect throat swabs, faeces or blood for qPCR or serological testing for confirmation, taking care to protect against human infection.

Management and treatment

Use sensitive antibiotics (such as tetracyclines) together with isolation and disinfection, paying attention to zoonotic protection; veterinary guidance is required.

Prevention

Control stocking density, strengthen ventilation, pay attention to personal protection and isolate affected birds promptly.