Ornithosis

Ornithosis is a contagious disease originated by Chlamydia. The bacterium Chlamydia psittaci are discharged in the lachrymal fluid, droppings, beak and throat mucus and the crop milk. Birds infected by ornithosis become the carriers & discharge the pathogen. The birds contract the disease by breathing in dust having the pathogen, by ingesting contaminated feed or water & by billing or feeding their young.

You will see often this disease during the moulting season when the quantity of dust rises in the lofts due to feathering changes.

Over 65% of young birds have problems with the Ornithosis complex.

Symptoms of Ornithosis:

One eye blinding
Lack of condition
Nasal secretions
Decreased desire to fly
Inflammation producing itching & pain which leads to scratching of the head and beak
Swollen eye lids and wet eyes
Sneezing, rattling and coughing
Discoloured wattles