ORNITHOSIS (Psittacosis)

Human infection with the viruses of ornithosis usually arises through contact with diseased parrots, budgerigars or other members of the parrot family, but the disease may also be contracted from infected canaries, pigeons, finches, or fulmar petrels. The virus is excreted in the bird's droppings, and the portal of infection in man is probably the respiratory tract. Human case-to-case infection has been suspected but not proven.
An acute febrile illness with combined typhoidal and pneumonic symptoms occurring in a person who is closely associated with parrots, pigeons, etc., is probably ornithosis. The diagnosis can be confirmed most easily by the demonstration of a rising titre of antibodies in the blood Ornithosis is not a notifiable disease. The duration of the incubation period is uncertain, but may be seven days or longer.
Prevention and Control.—The control of the importation of birds of the parrot family has not eliminated the disease. Many indigenous birds and, in recent years, pigeons have been the most important single source of human infection. The handling and petting of even apparently healthy domestic birds is the usual means of infection and the possession of such pets may be an important clue pointing to the clinical diagnosis.
Curative Treatment.—Tetracycline is rapidly effective against infection with the ornithosis group of viruses. The dose is 2 g. daily, given by mouth at six- to eight-hour intervals, reduced to i g. daily as the clinical condition improves.
Although isolation need not be enforced, it is probably wise to regard the patient as potentially infective. Sputum, urine and stools should be dis­infected.