We provide advice for pregnant women on how to avoid the risk of infection from animals that are giving birth. Also, visit the NHS Inform website for advice on how to prevent illness in pregnant women.
Chlamydophila psittaci
Background
Psittacosis is an infection of birds caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci, previously known as Chlamydia psittaci.
Chlamydophila psittaci can be found in a range of birds, in particular:
- parrots
- cockatiels
- budgies
- parakeets
- ducks
- turkeys
- pigeons
In the UK, cases are rare, and most likely occur among owners of pet birds and those with jobs that expose them to birds, such as:
- vets
- those working on poultry farms
Some strains of Chlamydophila may affect sheep, goats or cattle, causing chronic infection or abortion, and the bacteria is one of the major causes of infectious abortion in sheep in the UK and can affect people working with these animals.
Infection occurs through inhalation of aerosolised bacteria from bird faeces, feather dust or respiratory secretions.
The incubation period is one to four weeks. Typically infection causes flu-like symptoms, but can lead to pneumonia and non-respiratory health problems. Infection can be severe especially when untreated in elderly or immunocompromised individuals.