Among caged nonpsittacine birds, chlamydiosis occurs most frequently in pigeons, doves, and mynah birds. Several major outbreaks of psittacosis have occurred in turkey processing plants. Workers exposed to turkey viscera are at the highest risk of infection. Inhalation of aerosols from feces, fecal dust, and secretions of animals infected with C. psittaci is the primary route of infection. Source birds are either asymptomatic or have anorexia, ruffled feathers, lethargy, and watery green droppings.
Psittacosis is uncommon in children.
Children may be less likely to have close contact with infected birds. The mean incubation period is 15 days after exposure, with a range of 5-21 days. Onset of disease is usually abrupt with complaints of fever, cough, headache, and malaise. The fever is high and often is associated with rigors and sweats. The headache can be so severe that meningitis is considered.