Clinical management of chlamydiosis is a rapidly changing field. The attending veterinarian assumes primary responsibility in providing appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities for chlamydial infection. Avian Laboratory Home Page Chlamydial infections in exotic birds represent a very common clinical problem.
Signs range from acute devastating disease to poor feathering.
Various estimates have been made as to the incidence of chlamydial carriers. When looking at the percentage of the exotic bird population found to be infected, only a small percentage show overt clinical evidence of illness, based on physical exam, radiography, and hematologic assessment. Some of the carriers may remain in that state for years, with little or no clinical problems. These birds are contagious to cagemates and people. Carriers without clinical signs may also be suffering from chronic low-grade hepatopathies.