Psittacosis

[Jacksprat]

I just want some experience here.... I am at the end of the 6 week treament of psittacosis. The main cockatiel affected is showing all signs of recovery, except that she now has damaged wings. Well, the fore(arm) wings looks like they've been bleeding lightly or just very pink under the feahers. It could just be from a night fright or something. We do have a hawk about occaisionally that freaks them out (like this morning) It even freaked out my inside birds. It may not be related, but the main question is, should I keep up the meds for a minimum 45 days? The vet said 6wks which is 42, but I've seen written elsewhere up to 60. Thanx

[hillcresttiels]

Hi Jacqui your avian vet is the best person to ask but just for the record Psittacosis should be treated for a mininum of 6 weeks and as long as needed which can be up to 10 weeks in some cases depending on the size of the flock and how many birds are infected 2 rounds of dosage might be needed. Did you suffer any side effects from the disease as Psittacosis sometimes can have have a nasty recurring effect on humans keep an eye on it as it is generally contracted from new young birds and birds that have been stressed from a change of enviroment good luck with it cheers Frank

[Jacksprat]

No, no human ill affects, just birds. I didn't loose any adults. I have put a few young chicks deaths down to it though. The funny thing is that the hen who had it the worst didn't loose any of her chicks. They were probably the healthiest ones out of that batch of nests. Thankfully it was the chronic not acute strain. I have spoken to two guys who've had it themselves, so I know what to look for. I have told the breeder I got her from (a year ago) to look out for it. I think he was going to treat his birds too. Can I put new birds into the avairy now that treatment is finished? Or should I wait a bit longer? I have three inside waiting for their new home-and one very noisey one!

[hillcresttiels]

With the treatment you have given them and if your confident that all is well, then i would place the others in the aviary remembering that it is always a good idea to place new birds into quarantine especially young birds for at least a couple of weeks just to prevent a serious flock infection

Frank

[Jacksprat]

I've had one inside for 3-4 weeks, and the other two came from a breeder who assured me they treat their birds anually regardless. Cool, I'll do the treament for the 45 days and put them in on Saturday
Ta

[parrotpotential]

45 days is the usual course of treatment I believe. Also, doxy can cause egg binding in hens so be careful about treating this time of year.
We also tend to treat our entire flock during the winter each year (with our vets approval).

Good luck

[kim1]

I was told to wash my cages with amonia and water when one of mine got psittacosis to make sure there was no desease in the droppings as it can live a long time in dry droppings and amonia kills the disease.

[pollyparrot]

hi there pleaseee be really carefull as i got Psittacosis from some wild birds a couple of years ago i was so sick i thought id die and a few years before that my elderly mum had it to its one terrible desease for birds and for humans to so make sure u clean and disenfect your hands after handling an affected bird
good luck

[Catbird]

Hey guys ... Same as Polly, I've had Psittacosis too! I got it from a dove I was rearing while doing wildlife caring. Its not nice at all - and I had a modderate case and was young and healthy at the time. Its far more serious the older you get, especially if you already have a low immune system. So always take precautions if you are handling a bird with suspected psittacosis/chlamydiosis/ornithosis.

Jack - the chicks that appear healthy may be carriers. Psittacosis can be transmitted by "healthy" birds which don't show any signs of the ilness.

I have heard of a few outbreaks in Perth this summer, and had a scare with my own birds (but turned out to be a sinus infection - thank heavens!). Psittacosis loves dry and dusty conditions.

I hope your birds are getting on top of it now Jack .

Claire