A detailed explanation of psittacosis prevention and treatment techniques, a must-read for breeders

Chlamydiosis is also called ornithosis or psittacosis.

[Pathogen]

The pathogen is Chlamydia psittaci. Chlamydia is not strongly resistant to high temperature; it is inactivated at 55°C in 5 minutes and at 37°C in 48 hours, survives at most 6 days under sunlight, and survives at most 17 days in water. This chlamydia has relatively low sensitivity to acids and bases, but is easily inactivated by quaternary ammonium compounds and lipid solvents; general disinfectants such as benzalkonium chloride iodine tincture solution, 70% alcohol, and 3% hydrogen peroxide can destroy its infectivity within a few minutes.

[Epidemiology] Chlamydia psittaci is pathogenic to various birds, with parrots and pigeons being susceptible. Sick birds and carriers are the main sources of infection for this disease. The disease can be transmitted through the respiratory tract or eye conjunctiva by contaminated dust and droplets scattered in the air, and blood-sucking insects such as mites can also transmit it. Because humans can also be infected, attention must be paid to self-protection. [Symptoms] Because the virulence of chlamydia varies, the clinical manifestations in sick birds differ greatly; parrots, pigeons, and others can show apparent infection. Sick parrots are listless, do not eat, have purulent discharge from the eyes and nose, diarrhea, and later dehydration and emaciation. Young parrots often die, while adult parrots may recover and remain long-term carriers. Sick pigeons are restless, have discharge from the eyes and nose, lose appetite, and have diarrhea; most adult pigeons can recover and become carriers. [Prevention and treatment]

① Control the source of infection. Before introducing new birds, first find out whether chlamydiosis exists in the local area, and isolate and observe them for 2 weeks before adding them to the flock.

② The feces, bedding, and feathers of sick birds must be carefully handled, cages must be strictly disinfected, blood-sucking insects must be eliminated, and the spread of this disease must be strictly prevented.

③ Tetracycline (including chlortetracycline, oxytetracycline, and erythromycin) can be used for treatment; chloramphenicol is toxic and cannot be used. The treatment dose is 2-4 grams per kilogram of feed, but it has little effect on latent infections. Treatment should be carried out under strict isolation conditions; when the number is small, culling the sick birds should be considered.

④ Feed “Niaole” No. 4 for 5-7 days, 1 gram per day.

⑤ Feeding “Zengnian” No. 6 capsules has a relatively good effect.