Chlamydiosis in British Garden Birds (2005–2011): Retrospective Diagnosis and Chlamydia psittaci Genotype Determination

• DOI: 10.1007/s10393-014-0951-x
• Publication Date: 2014-06-19T18:35:38Z
• Authors: K. M. Beckmann; N. Borel; A. M. Pocknell; M. P. Dagleish; K. Sachse; S. K. John; A. Pospischil; A. A. Cunningham; B. Lawson
• Keywords: Chlamydia psittaci; Psittacosis

The significance of chlamydiosis as a cause mortality in wild passerines (Order Passeriformes), and the role these birds potential source zoonotic Chlamydia psittaci infection, is unknown. We reviewed bird incidents (2005–2011). Where species composition or post-mortem findings were indicative chlamydiosis, we examined archived tissues for C. infection using PCR ArrayTube Microarray assays. Twenty-one 40 tested positive: 8 dunnocks (Prunella modularis), 7 great tits (Parus major), 3 blue (Cyanistes caeruleus), 2 collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto, Order Columbiformes), 1 robin (Erithacus rubecula). genotype A was identified all positive further three robins diagnosed with from previous study. Two had E. Ten 21 psittaci-positive current study histological lesions consistent co-localizing spp. antigens on immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that may be more common disease British than previously recognized. Wild people should advised to take appropriate hygiene precautions when handling feeders birds.