# Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — Quick answer. Psittacosis is a bacterial infection of birds that can spread to humans, causing flu-like illness or pneumonia. Birds may carry it with no symptoms. A sick bird needs an avian vet; if you develop fever, headache or cough, contact your GP or NHS 111 and mention bird contact.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — What is psittacosis?. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), psittacosis is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which usually infects birds. It is commonly associated with parrots, parakeets, budgerigars and cockatiels, though many other species can be infected. Crucially, not all infected birds show symptoms — but they can still transmit the infection.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — Signs in birds. When birds do become unwell, typical signs include: - Lethargy, fluffed feathers, sleeping more - Poor appetite and weight loss - Breathing difficulty or tail bobbing — see Budgie respiratory problems UK - Diarrhoea or discoloured droppings - Eye or nose discharge, inflamed eyes Any bird with these signs should see a UK-registered avian vet — and because apparently healthy birds can be carriers, hygiene matters even when your bird looks well.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — How it spreads to humans. According to UKHSA, transmission is mainly through: - Inhaling dust contaminated with infected droppings or respiratory secretions - Direct oral contact with an infected bird - Handling infected plumage and tissues Those at greatest risk include bird fanciers and pet bird owners, pet shop staff, poultry workers, vets and zoo workers — but UKHSA notes infection can follow brief, passing exposure to infected birds or dried droppings, so people with no obvious risk can become infected.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — Signs in humans — and what to do. According to UKHSA, the incubation period is 1–4 weeks. Illness typically presents as non-specific flu-like symptoms — fever, headache, muscle aches and cough. It is often mild but can lead to severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, especially when untreated in elderly or immunocompromised people. If you develop flu-like symptoms and keep or handle birds: - Contact your GP or NHS 111 (online at 111.nhs.uk or by phone) - Tell them about your bird contact — clinicians are advised to consider psittacosis in patients with bird exposure - Human cases are treatable with appropriate antibiotics

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk): Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) — How common is it in the UK?. According to UKHSA, usually fewer than 10 PCR-confirmed cases are reported each year in England. Rare — but underdiagnosed, and worth taking seriously because severe cases are preventable with prompt treatment.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk