Isolation and identification of Chlamydia psittaci in New Zealand

Authors: Schroeder BA, Bell CW
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 34, Issue 1-2, pp 15-16, Jan 1986
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Avian, Livestock
Subject Terms: Bacterial, Disease/defect, Infectious disease, Notifiable organisms/exotic disease, Public health, Reproduction, Respiratory system, Zoonosis
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: It has been established previously that Chlamydia psittaci is enzootic in some species of birds in New Zealand. It was first isolated in 1953, from a number of imported psittacine birds that were causally linked to several human cases of psittacosis. At present, MAF policy restricts the importation of aviary birds and/or eggs to those brought in from Australia, and such birds must be certified free from a number of diseases including clinical psittacosis. Previous isolations of the organism have come from native parakeets(s) and more recently from healthy N.Z. keas sent to the United Kingdom. Because this disease is difficult to recognise clinically and autopsy and histologic findings are often not pathognomonic, the isolation of the causative organism is important in making a positive diagnosis. Since May 1984, isolation and identification procedures undertaken in this laboratory have increased the chances of culturing and positively identifying this organism…

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