--- title: "Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK)" description: "Psittacosis (parrot fever) — bird symptoms, spread to humans, UKHSA guidance, and when to see an avian vet or contact your GP or NHS 111." url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk" canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk" date_published: "2026-07-18" date_modified: "2026-07-18" source: "PETHEALTH+" --- # Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK) 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. ## 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**. ## 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](/health/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. ## 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. ## 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 ## 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. ## Prevention at home UKHSA advice centres on stopping contaminated dust building up: - **Clean cages and surrounding floors frequently** — reduce the accumulation of droppings, feathers and secretions - **Damp-clean rather than dry-sweeping** around the cage, so dust is not thrown into the air - **Good ventilation** in rooms where birds live - **Wash hands** after handling birds or cleaning cages - **Quarantine new birds** for around 30 days before introducing them, and consider avian vet screening - Take extra care cleaning when a bird is unwell — and isolate it from other birds ## If psittacosis is suspected 1. **Bird** — book an avian vet; diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are effective. Tell the vet about any human illness in the household. 2. **People** — GP or NHS 111, mentioning bird contact. 3. **Household** — step up cage hygiene, ventilation and handwashing; avoid close face-to-beak contact until the bird is cleared. ## FAQs ### Can I catch psittacosis from my pet bird? Yes. According to UKHSA, psittacosis spreads mainly by inhaling dust contaminated with infected droppings or respiratory secretions. Pet bird owners and bird fanciers are among those at greatest risk. ### How common is psittacosis in the UK? Rare. According to UKHSA, usually fewer than 10 PCR-confirmed human cases are reported each year in England — but infection can follow even brief exposure to an infected bird or dried droppings. ### What are the symptoms of psittacosis in humans? After an incubation of 1–4 weeks: fever, headache, muscle aches and cough. It is usually mild but can cause severe pneumonia, especially in older or immunocompromised people. Contact your GP or NHS 111 and mention your bird. ### What are the signs of psittacosis in birds? Lethargy, fluffed feathers, poor appetite, breathing difficulty, diarrhoea and eye or nose discharge — but infected birds can carry and spread the bacteria with no symptoms at all, per UKHSA. ### Is psittacosis treatable? Yes — in both birds and people it responds to appropriate antibiotics. Birds need diagnosis and treatment from an avian vet; humans should see a GP and mention bird contact so the right tests and treatment are chosen. ## Sources - [UKHSA — Psittacosis: guidance, data and analysis](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/psittacosis) - [RSPCA — How to care for your pet bird](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds) - [NHS 111 — Get help for your symptoms](https://111.nhs.uk/) - [PDSA — Pet Health Hub](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub) Canonical HTML: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-psittacosis-uk Last modified: 2026-07-18