Psittacosis

Advise patients to avoid contact with the likely source of infection (e.g., feces or nasal secretions of pet birds), and to seek immediate medical attention if they develop an influenza-like or respiratory tract illness after exposure to infected birds. Advise farm workers to wear a mask when working with poultry.

The following general prevention measures are recommended:[12]National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians (NASPHV). Compendium of measures to control Chlamydia psittaci infection among humans (psittacosis) and pet birds (avian chlamydiosis). 2017 [internet publication]. http://www.nasphv.org/Documents/PsittacosisCompendium.pdf

• Reduce risk of infection when caring for exposed or ill birds (e.g., wear protective clothing when handling birds or cleaning cages).

• Avoid buying or selling birds that are ill.

• Avoid mixing birds from multiple sources to prevent outbreaks.

• Quarantine newly-acquired or exposed birds (e.g., bird shows/fairs) for at least 30 days.

• Isolate ill birds.

• Practice preventive husbandry (e.g., position cages to prevent transfer of material between cages, clean food and water bowls daily).

• Control transmission from infected/exposed birds using good husbandry.

• Use disinfection measures (e.g., 1:1000 dilution of quaternary ammonium compounds, 1:32 dilution of household bleach).