Psittacosis in domestic pigeons

Abstract

Psittacosis has been found in fancy domestic pigeons in South Africa. This is the first record of the disease here, and probably the first of its presence in pigeons. The diagnosis was confirmed by mouse inoculation. The virus seems to resemble most Australian strains, in that it is not highly virulent for mice. Some of the pigeons were also suffering from S. typhimurium, H. columbae and T. hepatica infections. Psittacosis apparently has not occurred in the owner of the pigeons, or in his family and servants. Seven students and laboratory workers remained healthy, although exposed for about two hours to the infection while the first birds were being autopsied.