04/24/26 Public Health Education Topic: Psittacosis

Per CDC:

Key points

• Psittacosis is a disease caused by bacteria that often infect birds.

• People who have contact with pet birds and live poultry are at increased risk.

• Psittacosis is usually a mild illness, though it can cause pneumonia.

• Be safe when handling and cleaning birds and cages to help prevent this disease.

Symptoms

Most people begin developing signs and symptoms within 5 to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. Less commonly, people report symptoms starting after 14 days.

In general, psittacosis is a mild respiratory illness. Symptoms of psittacosis are similar to the symptoms of other respiratory illnesses.

The most common symptoms include:

• Dry cough

• Fever and chills

• Headache

• Muscle aches

Complications

Most people treated properly for psittacosis make a full recovery. However, some people have serious complications and need care in a hospital.

Complications include:

• Severe pneumonia (lung infection)

• Endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves)

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)

• Inflammation of the nerves or brain, leading to neurologic problems

With appropriate antibiotic treatment, psittacosis rarely (less than 1 in 100 cases) results in death.

To learn more visit: About Psittacosis | Psittacosis | CDC