Report Avian chlamydiosis
Report unusual disease signs, abnormal behaviour or unexplained deaths in livestock and other animals. Call the 24-hour EAD hotline on 1800 675 888.
Avian chlamydiosis
Avian chlamydiosis is a bacterial disease of poultry and birds caused Chlamydia psittaci. Humans are susceptible to the bacteria, with the disease in humans termed psittacosis (or ornithosis).
Disease information
What does Avian chlamydiosis look like?
The clinical signs of avian chlamydiosis in birds or poultry can include any of the following:
- Conjunctivitis (ocular discharge) and rhinitis (nasal discharge)
- Difficulty breathing, sneezing, coughing
- Diarrhoea or dark green droppings
- Reduction in feed consumption
- Depression, lethargy, reluctance to fly
- Death.
Post-mortem signs of avian chlamydiosis in birds or poultry are variable and can include:
- Pneumonia
- Fibrinous airsacculitis
- Fibrinous pericarditis
- Hepatomegaly
- Splenomegaly
- Enteritis (catarrhal)
- Congestion of the kidneys and reproductive organs.
Psittacosis symptoms in humans caninclude fever, headache, chills, weakness, muscle aches, a dry cough, chest pain and breathlessness. Signs may develop in humans from 5 days to 4 weeks after exposure to the bacteria, but most commonly around 10 days post-exposure. If you have immediate health concerns, you should contact your medical professional in the first instance. Additional information is available at the NSW Health website, Psittacosis (Ornithosis) fact sheet.
What should I do if I suspect Avian chlamydiosis?
Avian chlamydiosis is a notifiable disease in NSW which means if you suspect a bird is showing signs of the disease, you must report it. If any bird owner is suspicious of avian chlamydiosis in their birds, they should contact a veterinarian or the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 to arrange for sampling and testing.
How is it diagnosed?
Notifiable disease testing is conducted by NSW DPI as a cost-free service to the submitter/owner.
Diagnosis of avian chlamydiosis in birds or poultry is supported by clinical signs, post-mortem and histopathology examinations and confirmed via PCR detection of C. psittaci. Sampling and testing requirements are outlined in Table 1 below.
Table 1: Sampling requirements for avian chlamydiosis testing
Test | Sample | Details |
PCR | Swab (preferred) | Separate conjunctival, choanal and cloacal dry swabs in PBGS |
Fresh tissue | Brain, liver, spleen and other organs that have evidence of serositis on post-mortem | |
Histopathology* | Fixed tissue | Liver, lung, air sacs, heart and other organs with evidence of serositis on post-mortem |
*Standard histology charges will apply
For veterinarians needing to submit to EMAI for avian chlamydiosis testing, note the following:
- Place swab samples in transport media (PBGS) or in saline if other media is unavailable. PBGS can be obtained from the following:
- your local LLS District Veterinarian (1300 795 299),
- EMAI (1800 675 623), or
- https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/services/laboratory-services/kits-and-media/order-media
- Chill swabs/tissue at either 4°C or with ice bricks. Do not freeze samples.
- If whole dead birds are being submitted, they should be securely packed (i.e. double bagged and in a rigid container) and clearly labelled SUSPECT CHLAMYDIOSIS.
- Clearly label specimens and send in appropriate packaging via courier to the NSW APHL:
NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories
Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI)
Woodbridge Road
Menangle NSW 2568
Phone: 1800 675 623
- If you do not routinely dispatch samples to EMAI, contact laboratory customer service (1800 675 623, laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) in advance for assistance with dispatch logistics.
For more information on sample submission for avian chlamydiosis testing, visit the NSW DPI Laboratory (EMAI) website .
How is it spread?
Transmission from bird to bird of C. psittaci occurs via close contact. The bacterium is secreted in the faeces and nasal secretions of infected birds. The bacteria can remain infectious for many months in bird environments.
Transmission from birds to humans requires close contact with infected birds. Aerosolization and subsequent breathing in of infectious particles (eg bird dust, litter, dried respiratory secretions and faeces) is the most common route of infection in humans. Humans who have regular and close contact with birds or work in commercial poultry processing plants are at highest risk of psittacosis.
Does Avian chlamydiosis affect people?
Yes, avian chlamydiosis can affect humans, the condition in humans is called psittacosis (or ornithosis). Symptoms in humans can include fever, headache, chills, weakness, muscle aches, a dry cough, chest pain and breathlessness. Signs may develop in humans from 5 days to 4 weeks after exposure to the bacteria, but most commonly around 10 days post-exposure. For more information on disease risk in humans, visit the NSW Health website, Psittacosis (Ornithosis) fact sheet.
Other key information and resources
Reporting animal biosecurity emergencies
Some animal pests and diseases, or residues in animal products or stock feed can have serious consequences for trade, production or human health. By remaining vigilant and acting quickly if you suspect a significant animal pest, disease, or residue you may be able to prevent these consequences. Don’t delay! Contact Local Land Services or ring the 24 hour hotline: