The parrot disease occurs mainly in birds, but can also be transmitted to humans. The pathogen is Chlamydia psittaci.
Parrot disease, also known as psittacosis or ornithosis, is a rare bacterial infectious disease in humans. It is widespread among birds and other animals and can also be transmitted to humans through close contact. Since November and December 2023, the number of infections with the pathogen has been rising above normal levels in several European countries. “We are not currently seeing an increase in human cases in the Zurich area,” explains Dr. Miriam Vázquez, Senior Physician at the Clinic for Infectious Diseases and Hospital Hygiene at the USZ.
However, as parrot disease in humans is not notifiable in this country, there are no exact figures. “It is important to have a medical examination if flu-like symptoms, deterioration in general condition and coughing occur after close contact with birds,” says Miriam Vazquez. People usually become infected with Chlamydia psittaci by inhaling contaminated dust from dried feces, feathers or secretions of infected birds. Transmission from person to person is extremely rare.
“We are not currently seeing an increase in human cases in the Zurich area.”
What are the symptoms of parrot disease?
“The clinical manifestations can be very broad, ranging from an asymptomatic presentation to pneumonia and multi-organ involvement,” explains Miriam Vázquez. The most common symptoms of parrot disease in humans include:
- Fever,
- Deterioration in general condition,
- Headache
- and pneumonia.
Diagnosis and treatment
Parrot disease is diagnosed by means of molecular biological tests in the nasopharynx or blood and, depending on the clinical symptoms, targeted examinations such as X-rays of the lungs. Treatment is carried out with antibiotics from the tetracycline or macrolide group.
How can I protect myself from parrot disease?
Regular cleaning of bird cages and accessories, strict hand hygiene when handling (domestic) animals, especially when handling bird droppings and sick animals. People with weakened immune systems or existing respiratory diseases should be particularly careful.
