The diagnosis of psittacosis in live birds is possible by examination
of Pharyngeal, conjunctival and cloacal swabs using an antigen ELISA o
r immunofluorescence rest using a FITC-conjugated monoclonal antibody.
Pooled faecal samples are less suitable because of their bacterial an
d cytotoxic content. Post mortem diagnosis of chlamydiosis is possible
with liver surface smears and stamp staining. Inoculation of cell cul
tures with spleen and liver homogenates and subsequent examination wit
h an antigen ELISA or immunofluorescence also provides a valid diagnos
tic means. Medicated feed containing chlortetracycline is no longer av
ailable, but doxycyclin by injection is officially registered. Enroflo
xacin (Baytril 10%) provides an alternative for treatment and prophyla
xis; pharmacokinetic studies have indicated that this is an efficaciou
s drug under Paragraph 7 of the German Psittacosis Regulation. A relia
ble diagnosis and the successful treatment of chlamydiosis is possible
for man, animals and birds. Effective disinfectants are also availabl
e. Within the 15 countries of the European Union, Germany is the only
country with an official notification of psittacosis. Harmonisation of
laws for commuicable diseases is essential. Psittacosis should no lon
ger be an notifiable disease concerned with mandatory treatment of psi
ttacines. Quarantine of imported birds should be maintained for reliab
le diagnosis of highly communicable diseases such as Newcastle disease
, highly pathogenic avian influenza and possibly lethal herpes-, polyo
ma- and reoviruses and salmonellae.