Chlamydiosis (psittacosis) in canaries and finches
Other names: Psittacosis، Parrot fever
Symptoms
- May be symptom-free (carrier)
- Inflamed eye and nasal discharge
- Difficulty breathing
- Green diarrhea
- Lethargy and dehydration
How it spreads
Inhaling dried droppings dust, and discharges. Budgerigars and parrots are important sources (there is overlap with the parrot sector).
Diagnosis
PCR of swabs from the eye, throat and cloaca with a blood test (Merck).
Treatment
Per Merck: doxycycline 25 mg/kg orally twice daily for 45 days, with reduced calcium in the food during treatment. The disease must be reported in many countries. (All under veterinary supervision.)
Prevention
Do not keep finches near budgerigars and parrots without testing, dampen the floor before sweeping, and wear a mask and gloves.
Season
Year-round
Treatment and doses are decided by an avian vet after an exam; Zajel does not publish doses.
Other diseases
- Bacterial enteritis (E. coli and relatives)
- Salmonellosis
- Mycoplasmosis (sinusitis and eye infection)
- Avian tuberculosis
- Campylobacteriosis
- Contaminated water infection (Pseudomonas/Klebsiella)
- Bumblefoot and skin infection
- Yersiniosis (pseudotuberculosis)