Psitacosis, also known as ornithosis or parrot fever, is a highly infectious disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which is present in birds, mainly parrots, macaws and parakeets, for example, when people come into contact with this bacterium some symptoms may appear.fever, chills, headaches and shortness of breath.
Treatment of psitacosis is done to remove bacteria, and the family doctor or infectious disease specialist may recommend the use of antibiotics, such as doxycycline or erythromycin, and it is important that the animal receive treatment to prevent transmission.to see again.
The main symptoms of psittacosis are
Because symptoms of Chlamydia psittaci infection can be confused with other diseases related to the respiratory system, diagnosis of the disease may be delayed, which can promote the arrival of the bacteria in other organisms, as well as permanent damage to the lung, resulting in death.
Therefore, it is important that if symptoms of psitacosis are detected, blood and microbiological tests are performed so that the bacteria can be identified so that treatment can be initiated.
The transmission of psittacosis is by contact with feces or urine of birds contaminated with bacteria and by inhalation of dust on the feathers of these animals.
Treatment of psitacosis involves the use of antibiotics as directed by your doctor, and the use of doxycycline or erythromycin may be recommended, for example.It is important that treatment continues even after the disappearance of symptoms, because otherwise bacteria can reactivate and cause more symptoms of the disease, as well as become resistant to antibiotics.
In addition, it is important that bird owners periodically take them to the veterinarian, so that they can check if the bird is infected with the bacteria.In addition, it is important to avoid contact with the dust of the feathers, urine and faeces of these animals, being recommended the use of masks and gloves if necessary.