Psittacosis
Chlamydia psittaci is a type of bacteria that often infects birds. Less commonly, these bacteria can infect people and cause a disease called psittacosis. Psittacosis can cause mild illness or pneumonia (lung infection). To help prevent this illness, follow good precautions when handling and cleaning birds and cages.
2017 Compendium
The National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians released an updated Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis). View the Compendium and related resourcesexternal icon.
How Do You Say That?
Find pronunciation guides below for common words associated with psittacosis.
- Chlamydia — klah-MID-e-a
- Pneumonia — noo-MOAN-yah
- Psittaci — SIT-ah-see
- Psittacosis — sit-ah-KOH-sis
Page last reviewed: August 22, 2019
Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases