Ornithosis-psittacosis (avian chlamydiosis)

Find a veterinarian All rock dove diseases

Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Zoonosis Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

Ornithosis-psittacosis, also called avian chlamydia, is an infectious disease caused by an intracellular bacteria, Chlamydia psittaci.\nIt affects many birds, including the rock pigeon, which is a frequent natural carrier, often without showing obvious signs.\nThis disease is important because it can be transmitted to humans, particularly to people in regular contact with pigeons such as breeders, veterinarians or people feeding the birds in city.

Key point

Disease to be particularly monitored due to its zoonotic nature: transmission to humans can cause sometimes severe pneumonia, requiring rapid medical attention.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Runny nose Discharge from the eyes Red eyes Difficulty breathing Noisy breathing or snoring Sneezing Loss of appetite Weight loss Reduction Diarrhea Fatigue Ruffled feathers

In pigeons, the infection may remain silent for a long time, with the bird appearing healthy while shedding the bacteria.\nWhen signs appear, there is often discharge from the nostrils and eyes, conjunctivitis with stuck or reddened eyelids.\nThe bird may breathe difficult, sneeze, have ruffled feathers and remain prostrate.\nDigestive problems such as greenish diarrhea and loss of appetite are also possible.\nStress, such as transportation or reproduction, can reactivate a latent infection and cause symptoms to appear.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which multiplies inside the cells of the host.\nIt is present in respiratory secretions and especially in the droppings of infected birds, whether they are sick or healthy carriers.

Pigeons living in high densities, such as in crowded lofts or large urban populations, are more exposed.\nStress linked to transport, reproduction, a change in environment or another concomitant disease favors the appearance of symptoms in a carrier bird.\nA weakened immune system, particularly in young or old birds, also increases the risk.

Transmission

Transmission occurs mainly by inhalation of dust containing dried droppings or contaminated respiratory secretions.\nDirect contact between birds, sharing food or contaminated water, and promiscuity in pigeon colonies favor the spread.\nA healthy carrier adult pigeon can contaminate its young during feeding.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian suspects the disease on the basis of respiratory and ocular symptoms, in particular in the case of several affected birds in the same group.\nThe definitive diagnosis is based on laboratory analyses, such as a search for the bacteria by PCR on swabs or droppings, or serological tests.\nThese examinations make it possible to distinguish ornithosis from other respiratory diseases of pigeons.

Treatment

Treatment is based on a specific family of antibiotics active against intracellular bacteria such as Chlamydia psittaci, prescribed by the veterinarian over a prolonged period.\nSupportive care, such as rehydration or a nutritional supplement, may accompany treatment in a weakened bird.\nTreatment must be carried through to the end, even if symptoms improve quickly, to avoid relapses and limit persistent carriage.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Good hygiene in the dovecote is essential: regular cleaning, disinfection, and frequent elimination of accumulated droppings.\nIt is recommended to limit the density of birds and ensure good ventilation to reduce the concentration of contaminated dust.\nAny new bird introduced should be isolated for some time before being mixed with the group.\nFor people in contact with pigeons, wearing a mask when cleaning the premises and washing your hands regularly limits the risk of transmission to humans.

Possible complications

Without appropriate treatment, the infection can progress to severe respiratory damage, or even septicemia in the most fragile birds.\nCertain cured birds remain chronic carriers and can excrete the bacteria intermittently for a long time, representing a continuous risk of contamination for other birds and for humans.

When to see a veterinarian

A pigeon has persistent discharge from the eyes or nostrils.\nThe bird breathes with difficulty or noise.\nSeveral birds in the same loft show similar signs at the same time.\nThe bird remains prostrate, stops eating or visibly loses weight.\nA person in contact with sick pigeons develops a fever or an unexplained cough themselves, in which case a doctor should also be consulted.

Transmission to humans

Chlamydia psittaci can be transmitted to humans by inhalation of dried droppings dust or respiratory secretions of infected birds.\nIn humans, the infection called psittacosis causes a flu-like syndrome that can progress to atypical pneumonia.\nThe people most at risk are pigeon breeders, veterinarians, aviary employees and people who regularly feed urban pigeons.\nWearing a mask and good hygiene Hand hygiene when cleaning the dovecotes significantly reduces this risk.

Prognosis

The prognosis is generally favorable if the disease is identified and treated early with an appropriate antibiotic.\nIn the absence of treatment, or in young or weakened birds, the evolution can be more serious.\nChronic carriage after clinical cure remains possible and complicates complete eradication in a colony.

Frequently asked questions

Can a healthy carrier pigeon infect other birds?

Yes, a pigeon can harbor the bacteria without showing symptoms and excrete it in its droppings, thereby contaminating its environment and other birds.

Is pigeon ornithosis dangerous for humans?

Yes, the bacteria responsible can be transmitted to humans by inhalation of contaminated dust and cause a respiratory illness, sometimes severe, called psittacosis.

How do I know if my pigeon has ornithosis?

Only a veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis through laboratory tests, because the symptoms resemble those of other pigeon respiratory diseases.

Can an infected pigeon be completely cured?

Appropriate and comprehensive antibiotic treatment often results in clinical recovery, but some birds may remain carriers of the bacteria for some time afterwards.