Parrot fever is a rare infectious disease that causes pneumonia in humans. It is transmitted from pet birds or poultry. The illness is caused by chlamydia, a parasitic type of microorganism closely related to bacteria. Parrot fever is also called chlamydiosis, psittacosis or ornithosis.

Parrot fever, which is referred to as avian psittacosis when it infects birds, is caused by a type of Chlamydia known as Chlamydia psittaci. Pet birds in the parrot family, including parakeets, macaws, and cockatiels, are the most common carriers of the infection. Other birds that may also spread C. psittaci include pigeons, doves, mynah birds, and turkeys. Birds carrying the organism may appear healthy but can expel the parasite in their feces.

The symptoms of avian psittacosis include inactivity, loss of appetite, and ruffled feathers, diarrhea, runny eyes, and nasal discharge, and green or yellow-green urine. Sick birds can be treated...