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- Avian Chlamydiosis / Ornithosis
Disease
Avian Chlamydiosis / Ornithosis
الكلاميديا (الأورنيثوزس)
Ornithosis، Chlamydiosis، مرض الببغاء
Educational content for breeders — not a substitute for veterinary advice. Doses and treatments here are general; actual diagnosis and treatment must be supervised by a veterinarian.
A contagious bacterial disease that can pass to humans (zoonotic), found worldwide in almost all bird species. It is caused by a small, non-motile microbe that lives inside cells.
Symptoms
Acute (young): wheezing, conjunctivitis, mucoid diarrhea. Chronic (adults): few/no signs but remains infectious.
Causes
Chlamydia psittaci bacteria
Transmission
Inhaling dust contaminated with the microbe, eating or drinking anything contaminated with droppings, or squabs being fed by infected parents.
Diagnosis
Microscopic examination of a sample from the spleen, liver, conjunctiva or air sac (Stamp method), a cloacal swab in live birds, or laboratory antibody detection.
Treatment
Doxycycline or chlortetracycline for 30-45 days without interruption.
Prevention
Loft hygiene, dust reduction, quarantine new birds; caution — recovered birds can remain silent carriers, zoonotic risk.
References
Egyptian Health Council – Pigeon Diseases 2025؛ MSD Veterinary Manual
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