'Bird chlamydia' warning issued to Brits travelling to Europe this year

An outbreak of psittacosis, a type of chlamydia in birds, has led to several deaths in what the World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling an 'unusual' rise in cases. Also known as 'parrot fever', the bacteria infection has affected people living in several European countries.

During the current outbreak, five people are thought to have died after contracting the infection. It primarily affects various bird species - including parrots, pigeons, ducks and chickens, but it can also be transmitted to humans.

The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show there were four confirmed cases of parrot fever in England in 2023. However, elsewhere in Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Sweden cases are much higher, so Brits planning trips abroad should be aware.

Austria reported 14 confirmed cases in 2023 and four more this year, as of March 4. Denmark typically sees up to 30 human cases every year, most stemming from pet birds or racing pigeons.

Of the 17 cases in Denmark which saw people hospitalised, 15 developed pneumonia and four died. Worryingly, the WHO reportedly suspect the real case count is much higher.

Symptoms of psittacosis in humans

In humans, psittacosis can cause a range of symptoms similar to those of the flu - including fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a dry cough. These will normally materialise within five to 14 days after exposure to the bacteria. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, a condition caused by inflammation of the lungs.

People diagnosed with psittacosis usually take antibiotics to treat the infection. Most people recover quickly if they start antibiotics shortly after they get ill.

Symptoms of psittacosis in birds

The signs of a psittacosis infection in birds are non-specific and include poor appetite, inflamed eyes, breathing difficulty and diarrhoea. Infected birds may not have signs of disease or seem sick. When birds have symptoms caused by an infection, veterinarians call the disease avian chlamydiosis.

How psittacosis is spread

Typically, humans get be infected with psittacosis through inhalation of airborne particles from bird droppings, dust and feathers. Humans normally catch the infection from pet birds or the likes of racing pigeons, rather than wild birds.

Human-to-human transmission is extremely rare. The WHO said: "Generally, people don't spread the bacteria that causes psittacosis to other people, so there is a low likelihood of further human-to-human transmission of the disease.

"While birds that carry this disease could be crossing international borders, there is currently no indication of this disease being spread by humans nationally or internationally."

When identified early, psittacosis can be treated with antibiotics and most should make a full recovery. If left to develop, parrot fever can lead to potentially deadly complications.