Chlamydia psittaci infection in Polish walk-through commercial aviary

Avian chlamydiosis in parrots is predominantly caused by genotype A of Chlamydia (C.) psittaci and has been described in different regions of the world. C. psittaci infections in birds may often transmit to humans. This report describes the unique case of C. psittaci occurrence in the multispecies walk-through commercial aviary situated in nonzoological garden conditions in the northern Poland, where birds had direct and constant contact with visitors. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated. Cloacal swabs were collected from parrots belonging to 3 bird families and 30 species at five time points: first survey (T-0; n=32), in two-week intervals during the treatment (T-1; n=42, T-2; n=42, T-3; n=53) and follow-up testing, six months after doxycycline administration (T-4; n=69). Based on 23S rRNA and incA real-time PCR assays and sequencing of ompA gene, chlamydial agent was identified as genotype A of C. psittaci with overall percentage of parrots harbouring this pathogen at the first sampling at the level of 68.75. Monitoring survey in the aviary performed during six-week long doxycycline therapy and after administration of antibiotic confirmed the lack of pathogen shedding and proved effectiveness of the treatment. Described outbreak, to the best of authors knowledge, did not result in transmission to humans.