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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #59918
Title: AVIAN CHLAMYDIOSIS (PSITTACOSIS, ORNITHOSIS)

Author
item ANDERSEN, ARTHUR
item GRIMES, JAMES - LAB., COLLEGE STATION, TX
item WYRICK, PRICILLA - UNIV. NC, CHAPEL HILL, NC

Submitted to: Diseases of Poultry
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/1/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The purpose of the chapter is to discuss the history, distribution, properties, classification, disease signs, diagnosis, and control of chlamydia in commercial poultry. Chlamydiosis in poultry is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. In birds, it is usually a systemic and occasionally fatal disease. The clinical signs vary greatly in severity and depend on the species and age of the bird and the strain of chlamydia. Avian chlamydiosis can produce lethargy, hyperthermia, eye and nasal discharge, and reduced egg production. Many birds show no clinical signs; nevertheless, they often will shed the agent for extended periods of time. There are six known avian serovars, each having a limited host range. These serovars are not normally found in other animals; however, they will readily infect humans where they can produce a fatal disease. Most human infections are due to contact with ducks, turkeys, pigeons, or pet birds. The diagnosis of chlamydiosis is difficult requiring either the isolation of the organism or demonstrating its presence in smears or tissues. Serology can be used, but treatment must begin before results are available.