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Protect your bird from
Psitticosis
Psittacosis is the same illness
in parrots and parakeets that is called ornithosis in other species of
birds and occurs rarely in lovebirds. The disease is caused by the parasite
Chlamydia psittaci, which has its own unique growth cycle. It is mostly
found in dirty breeding situations and can be brought in by imported birds.
Be suspicious of "dirty-looking" birds. The birds may look healthy, but
a careful examination by an avian vet may show that it is either a carrier
or is infected with psittacosis.
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Psittacosis has a variety
of symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose mostly in its early stages.
Usually it starts with a heavy cold. Moisture drips from the nostrils,
the bird gasps for air, and the breathing sounds squeaky and hissy. The
bird is fatigued, often puffes out its feathers, and has diarreah. The
final stages of the disease include symptoms of cramps and lameness. The
picture below is of a bird infected with psittacosis.
Psittacosis can occur in a mild
form, which can be completely cured. Unfortunatly, be aware that birds
can still be infectious for both birds and humans. At any rate, the disease
can pose a hazard, which is why you should report any strange symptoms
your bird displays to your avian vet. In humans, the disease starts with
a cold and can lead to a lung infection. The disease can be treated with
antibiotics, so long as you see your doctor in a timely manner. Make sure
you tell your doctor you have a bird so they may properly diagnose you.
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You can prevent psittacosis
by doing small things. Make sure your bird sees an avian vet annually and
that the vet does a complete check-up. Any new bird that is brought into
your house needs to be quarantined for at least 30 days. You can also prevent
this disease by cleaning your birds cage regularly and changing their water
daily, or if you have a bird that likes to bathe in its water dish, change
it twice a day.
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