Birds with suspected chlamydiosis or birds previously exposed to Chlamydophila spp. should be isolated for treatment and testing. Because treated birds can be reinfected, they should not be exposed to untreated birds or other potential sources of infection. To prevent reinfection, contaminated aviaries should be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Chlamydophila spp. are susceptible to most disinfectants and detergents as well as to heat. A 1:1,000 dilution of quaternary ammonium compounds (e.g., Roccal®, Zephiran®) is effective, as are 70% isopropyl alcohol, 1% Lysol®, a 1:100 dilution of household bleach, or chlorophenols. No Chlamydophila vaccines are presently available.

The following general recommendations should be followed when treating and caring for birds with chlamydiosis:

a. Protect birds from undue stress (e.g., chilling or shipping), poor husbandry, and malnutrition. These problems reduce the effectiveness of treatment and promote the development of secondary infections with other bacteria or yeast.

b. Observe the birds daily, and weigh them every 3–7 days. If the birds are not maintaining or gaining weight, they should be re-evaluated.

While chlamydiosis can be diagnostically perplexing, infections respond readily to treatment with doxycycline. Preparations designed for oral, intravenous and intramuscular (Vibravenous®, Pfizer) administration are available in the United States. This eliminates the need for compounding of doxycycline. A single injection of doxycycline will maintain blood levels for 5–7 days. Therapy for severely ill birds with suspected chlamydiosis should be initiated with an injectable, rather than oral, form of doxycycline.

Preliminary work by Dr. Keven Flammer showed that therapeutic doxycycline blood levels could be maintained by adding doxycycline hydrate to drinking water at 200-400 mg/liter for cockatiels, 400-600 mg/liter for goffins and 800 mg/liter for greys.

(Adapted from Ritchie BW, with permission.)