OBSERVATIONS ON THE DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF PSITTACOSIS

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.