How is Psittacosis diagnosed?
Psittacosis is usually diagnosed by clinical symptoms and a history of exposure to birds. A rise in antibodies to psittacosis between two samples of blood, the first collected at the time of illness and the second collected 2 to 3 weeks later, can confirm the diagnosis. Can Psittacosis be treated? Yes. Several commonly available antibiotics are effective in treating psittacosis in humans. With appropriate treatment, the vast majority of people fully recover. Is an infected person infectious to others? Person-to-person transmission of psittacosis has not been shown to occur. No special precautions are necessary for patients ill with psittacosis. Infected birds should be isolated and treated for 30 to 45 days, based on the type of bird infected. Treatment usually consists of medicated feed but oral or injectable antibiotics can also be used. Treatment should be administered under the supervision of a veterinarian. Antibiotics placed in the water will not eliminate the disease in birds. T
