Chlamydia psittaci

Chlamydia in parrots, often referred to as 'Parrot Disease', 'Psittacosis' or 'Ornithosis' is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. The bacterium is a zoonosis, meaning it can be transmitted from parrot to human. In parrots, infection can range from asymptomatic to severe signs of illness. Common symptoms in infected birds include decreased appetite, fatigue, respiratory problems (such as nasal discharge and wheezing), diarrhoea and swollen eyes. The eyes may also have a watery or slimy discharge. It is essential to consult a vet when a parrot shows these symptoms - not only for the bird's health, but also to prevent spread to other birds and humans.