A bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci that affects birds and can transmit to humans, typically presenting as flu-like symptoms.
Psittacosis is one of the few bird diseases that's also a human health concern (a zoonosis). In birds it presents as lethargy, ruffled feathers, watery droppings, and respiratory symptoms. In humans, infection causes fever, headache, and a dry cough — usually mild but occasionally pneumonia-grade.
Most healthy adults are at minimal risk. Higher-risk groups include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Treatment in both birds and humans is a course of doxycycline.
Quarantining new birds for 30+ days is the most effective prevention, plus basic hygiene around droppings and food bowls.
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