The second comment is in reference to a cockatiel positive for psittacosis, that was isolated and is now cured. Psittacosis is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamidia psittaci. It is able to infect birds, humans and other mammals. The organism is shed in nasal and ocular secretions, feces and feather dust. Birds become infected when they inhale or ingest infectious particles.
Diagnosis can be very difficult.
Some infected birds may appear ill, while others are latently infected and can act as carriers of the infection to other birds. If one bird is diagnosed with psittacosis in a collection or store, certain measures must be taken to prevent the spread of disease. The organism can remain infectious in dried secretions, excretions and feather dust for very long periods of time. All birds in the group should be quarantined and observed for a 30 day period and tested or prophylactically treated with tetracycline orally, in the food, or by injection for a 45 day period. Psittacosis is transmissable to people.