This disease is of particular concern, as it is a zoonotic disease, meaning that an infected bird may be a source of infection for people. Breeders and pet bird owners need to be able to screen for this disease to protect their birds and themselves. In the past few years, there has been considerable discussion in the veterinary community as to which test or tests will best detect birds infected with Chlamydia psittaci . Based on these findings we have made the following recommendations. This test will detect most infected birds.
All tests have limitations.
The limitations of the EBA are that it may miss birds in the very early stages of infection and is best used in psittacine birds. It was not found to be useful in Columbiformes. Combined, the PCR and EBA were more sensitive and specific than either one individually. Therefore our current recommendations are that both the PCR and EBA assays be used when testing for Chlamydia psittaci . Avian Tuberculosis Avian tuberculosis is a relatively uncommon disease in most cage birds, but is very common in grey-cheeked parakeets and has been a problem for some canary breeders.