Psittacosis (Parrot Fever) in Cockatiels: Can Your Bird Make You Sick?

Psittacosis, also called parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that pet birds such as cockatiels can pass to people [1][5]. In people it is usually a mild disease [4], and simple daily hygiene helps protect your household [2].

What is psittacosis?

It is caused by a bacterium called Chlamydia psittaci [1][6]. In birds, vets call the infection avian chlamydiosis; in people, it is called psittacosis [5][6].

It can infect all companion birds, but it is especially common in cockatiels, budgies and small parrots [5].

Can a healthy-looking bird carry it?

Yes. Some infected birds show no signs at all, while others become very ill [5]. A bird can carry the infection quietly for months or even years [6].

Stress such as travel, crowding, cold weather or a sudden change in diet can make a carrier bird start shedding the bacteria [6].

Can I catch it from my bird?

It is possible. Infected birds shed the bacteria in their droppings and in discharge from the eyes and nose [5][6]. Once dried, this material can stay infectious for more than a month [5].

• The most common way is breathing in dust from dried droppings or bird secretions [1].
• Less often, it can follow a bird bite or beak-to-mouth contact [1].
• Even brief contact with one infected bird can be enough [6].
• It rarely spreads from person to person, and it does not spread through food [1].

What are the signs in birds?

Signs reported in infected birds include [5]:

• Discharge or irritation around the eyes or nose.
• Not eating.
• Laboured breathing.
• Low energy and a dull, quiet mood.
• Diarrhoea, or a green-to-yellow colour in the droppings.
• Dehydration, and passing more urine than usual.

If you notice any of these, see an avian vet promptly. Only a vet can tell what is wrong and what your bird needs.

What are the symptoms in people?

Symptoms usually start 5 to 14 days after contact [1][3]. Common ones are a sudden fever and chills, headache, dry cough and muscle aches [1][3].

It can look like other chest infections [3], and in some cases it can become more serious, such as pneumonia [1][3]. So if you feel unwell after handling a bird, see a doctor and tell them you keep birds [1][3].

How do I keep my family safe?

• Wash your hands with soap and running water after touching your bird, its droppings or anything in its cage [2].
• Wet the cage floor and surfaces with water or disinfectant before cleaning. Avoid dry sweeping or vacuuming, which can raise dust [2].
• Wear gloves and a suitable mask when cleaning the cage of an infected bird [2].
• Clean the cage, food bowl and water bowl every day [2].
• Avoid crowding birds together or stacking cages on top of each other. Use solid sides or barriers between cages [2].
• Keep a sick or possibly sick bird apart from your other birds [2].
• As a general precaution, keep a new bird apart from your other birds for a while, and away from wild birds [6].

Did you know? Despite the name "parrot fever", the same bacterium can also infect poultry such as turkeys, chickens and ducks [1][6].

FAQ

Is parrot fever dangerous for people?

It is usually mild [4]. It can become serious in some cases, so see a doctor if you feel unwell after bird contact [1][3].

Is there a vaccine against psittacosis?

No. There is no vaccine, so good hygiene is the main protection [2][6].

Can it spread from person to person?

Rarely. Most people catch it from birds, usually by breathing in dust from dried droppings [1].