Ornit

Psittacosis

Psittacosis is an infectious disease that humans contract from birds. Caused by a virus. Ornithosis affects ducks, chickens, turkeys, parrots, canaries, siskins, goldfinches, pigeons, pheasants and other birds. Sick birds refuse food, become inactive, their plumage is ruffled, there is discharge from the eyes and nasal openings, and bloody diarrhea. The disease usually lasts 8-9 days and often ends in the death of birds.

An epidemiological danger is posed by sick birds and virus-carrying birds that release the virus into the environment with feces and nasal mucus.

Humans become infected when the virus enters the mouth or mucous membranes of the eyes with hands contaminated with bird secretions (during care, slaughter or processing of carcasses), as well as through airborne droplets when inhaling dust containing the virus. More often people who work on poultry farms, poultry factories, zoological gardens, pet stores, etc. get sick. There are also cases among people who keep poultry, breed them, pigeon breeding, and hunt wild birds.

The disease begins acutely 6-14 days after infection. There is general fatigue, headache, insomnia, high temperature; Specific inflammation of the lungs occurs without cough and shortness of breath. Fever lasts 9-20 days. As a rule, the disease ends in recovery.

Treatment is carried out in a hospital. Prevention of ornithosis includes veterinary and sanitary supervision and medical control at poultry farms, zoos, poultry and meat processing plants. Disinfection of premises, cleaning of areas, ventilation, mechanization, personal protective equipment for workers, and medical examinations are necessary.

When people become ill, patients are hospitalized, and those in contact are monitored. If you suspect psittacosis in poultry, you should contact your veterinarian.