Chlamydia in Finches & Canaries

Chlamydia is a type of intracellular parasite that attacks caged birds, such as canaries, finches and parrots. It's also commonly referred to as chlamydiosis, psittacosis or Parrot Fever. This infection may start out looking like a respiratory infection, or it may include almost no symptoms at all. Chlamydia is highly contagious among birds, but can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

  1. Symptoms

    • Some birds become carriers, showing no symptoms at all. Others display acute symptoms, including noisy breathing or sinus problems, swelling or discharge around the eyes, ruffled feathers, dehydration, and excessive urine. Chronic cases of chlamydia may include tremors, sitting with the head in a strange position, and partial or complete leg paralysis. Finches were once thought to be less likely to get the disease, but are actually just more likely to display very mild symptoms.

    Transmission

    • Chlamydia can be spread from one bird to another through the air, via bacteria shed from the host. Bacteria are shed in the feces, in dust from the feathers, and in secretions from around the eyes or nose. From these substances, the bacteria becomes airborne. Overcrowded conditions, nest boxes, and cages with poor air circulation increase the chances of a bird becoming sick.

    Prevention/Solution

    • According to Avian Biotech, a bio-analysis company specializing in birds, the best method of prevention is reducing the chances of exposure. Pet stores, vets, rescue organizations and new pet owners should test all new birds before they enter the same airspace as existing animals. Even if a canary or finch doesn't look sick, it could be a carrier. Canary and finch owners should also maintain clean environments with good cage hygiene, and get vet treatment as soon as a problem occurs.

    Misconceptions

    • Small birds may see their vets less often than larger, more expensive animals, since the cost of a vet visit isn't thought to be worthwhile. Many owners believe that their pets will recover on their own, and many appear to. According to the Zebra Finch Society of Australia, the disease can lie dormant in adult birds, though. When stress levels increase, due to a new cage mate, a move or another environmental change, these small birds can suddenly become very sick.

    Warning

    • Chlamydia psittacosis is primarily a disease of birds, but it can be transmitted to humans, a process called zoonotic transmission. It causes symptoms similar to the flu, including a dry cough, nausea and headaches, chest pain, fever and lethargy. Chlamydia infections of this type usually don't include a sore throat or runny nose. If you suspect you may have acquired chlamydia from your bird, see a doctor immediately.