Psittacosis is the term used for human infection with Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci). The disease is also referred to as avian chlamydiosis, ornithosis or parrot fever and is primarily a disease of birds that incidentally affects people. Previous illness does not confer immunity on either birds or humans.
Although psittacine birds like parrots and parakeets are most often affected, poultry and other non-psittacine birds can also be infected. Some strains are more likely to cause disease in birds and humans and some are less pathogenic. For more complete and up to date information, please see the most recent edition of the “Compendium of Measures to Control Chlamydophila psittaci (formerly Chlamydia psittaci) Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds” from the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians. It can be found at: Psittacosiscomp2006.pdf