---
title: "Bird Respiratory Infections in the UK"
description: "Respiratory disease in pet birds — tail bobbing, discharge, psittacosis awareness and when to see an avian vet in the UK."
url: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-respiratory-infection-uk"
canonical: "https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bird-respiratory-infection-uk"
date_published: "2026-06-01"
date_modified: "2026-06-25"
source: "PETHEALTH+"
---

# Bird Respiratory Infections in the UK

Bird respiratory disease shows as **tail bobbing**, sneezing, discharge, wheezing or open-mouth breathing. Birds mask illness until they are critically unwell — contact an **avian vet the same day**. Improve ventilation, remove Teflon fumes and dusty bedding while awaiting care.

## Why birds hide respiratory disease

In the wild, sick birds are predated quickly — so pet birds often appear normal until breathing is severely compromised. By the time owners notice tail bobbing, disease may be advanced.

According to the RSPCA, register with an avian-experienced vet before illness strikes. Same-day assessment saves lives.

## Common signs

| Sign | Description |
|------|-------------|
| Tail bobbing | Tail moves up and down with each breath — classic sign of breathing effort |
| Open-mouth breathing | Never normal at rest in small birds |
| Sneezing or coughing | Repeated with discharge |
| Nasal or ocular discharge | Wet feathers around nares or eyes |
| Wheezing or clicking | Audible breathing sounds |
| Fluffed feathers | Hunched, inactive, reduced appetite |
| Voice change | Quieter or altered vocalisation |

## Common causes

- **Infectious** — bacteria (e.g. Mycoplasma, Chlamydia), fungi (Aspergillus), viruses
- **Environmental** — dusty seed hulls, poor cage hygiene, ammonia from droppings
- **Toxins** — **Teflon/non-stick pan fumes** (fatal at low temperatures), cigarette smoke, aerosols
- **Nutritional** — vitamin A deficiency from seed-only diets weakens respiratory lining
- **Stress and drafts** — poor immunity in cold, damp or poorly ventilated cages

Position cages away from kitchens where non-stick cookware is used. According to avian welfare guidance, Teflon fumes are a leading cause of sudden death in pet birds.

## Psittacosis — important for UK owners

Psittacosis is a notifiable zoonotic infection that can pass from birds to humans, causing flu-like illness or pneumonia. Suspected cases require veterinary diagnosis, treatment and hygiene advice.

Tell your vet if you develop fever, headache or breathing problems after contact with a sick bird.

## What to do before the vet

1. **Call an avian vet the same day**
2. **Keep the bird warm** — hospital cage or heated area
3. **Improve ventilation** without creating draughts directly on the bird
4. **Remove dusty bedding** — switch to paper-based substrate temporarily
5. **Isolate from other birds** if you have a flock
6. **Do not use human cold remedies or antibiotics** without veterinary prescription

## Veterinary treatment

Diagnosis may involve physical examination, swabs, blood tests or radiographs. Treatment depends on cause — antibiotics for bacterial infection, antifungals for Aspergillus, environmental changes, and supportive fluids or nebulisation.

Recovery may take weeks. Complete the full prescribed course even if the bird looks better.

## Prevention

- **Pellet-based diet** with fresh vegetables — not seed alone
- **Daily cage cleaning** — remove droppings and old food
- **Low-dust bedding** — avoid fine sawdust
- **No Teflon in the home** near birds; ventilate when cooking
- **Quarantine new birds** for 30 days before introducing to existing pets
- **Annual avian health checks**

## When to call the vet

**Same day** for tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, discharge, or any breathing change. Respiratory emergencies deteriorate within hours.

## FAQs

### What are signs of a respiratory infection in birds?

Tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing, reduced activity and fluffed feathers. Birds hide illness — seek same-day avian vet care.

### Can bird respiratory disease spread to humans?

Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans. Your vet can diagnose and advise on treatment and hygiene. Always wash hands after handling sick birds.

### What causes respiratory problems in pet birds?

Bacterial or fungal infections, vitamin A deficiency, dusty bedding, poor ventilation, Teflon fumes, cigarette smoke, and drafts. Underlying disease weakens immunity.

## Sources

- [RSPCA — How to care for your pet bird](https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/birds)
- [PDSA — Bird advice](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/pet-health-hub)
- [BVA — Advice for pet owners](https://www.bva.co.uk)

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Last modified: 2026-06-25