Susan L Clubb DVM Psittacosis is a disease caused by the organism Chlamydia Psittaci. Psittacosis is a common disease in all types of parrots. Because Chlamydia Psittaci has evolved with parrots, they can often be infected and not show any signs of the disease. If they are weak or stressed however, they can become sick and could die. Stress, genetics, the bird's immunity, nutrition and the care given your bird will all affect its resistance to developing disease.
Psittacosis can cause a variety of symptoms.
Some birds show no signs of disease. Other can be in general poor condition, have respiratory or digestive system symptoms or they may die suddenly, in severe cases. Birds become infected by ingesting or inhaling the Chlamydia, which are shed in the oral secretions or feces of an infected bird. When these secretions become dry, some Chlamydia may become airborne on dust. The percentage of positives will depend upon the type of test used and the population tested.