VIC Avian psittacosis information from Agriculture Victoria

Avian psittacosis can impact both native and domestic birds as well as humans.  This information is particularly relevant for Wildlife Shelters operating in the Grampians and Loddon Mallee areas or other wildlife shelters accepting wildlife from these areas where cases are currently being reported.

Any birds that may be suffering from psittacosis should be treated by a registered vet.  Birds can be released back to the wild once treatment has been completed and the bird has suitably recovered.

Because of the potential for this disease to be passed to humans, it is a legal requirement to notify Agriculture Victoria within 12 hours of any known or suspected psittacosis in birds you are caring for by either: 

• Calling the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888 (24 hours a day, every day of the year) or
• Using the Notify Now app,   allows users to send high-quality geo-located photographs of the affected animals, with the owner’s details and Property Identification Code or
• Or completing the Disease notification form which can be emailed to cvo.victoria@agriculture.vic.gov.au

Further information can also be found on the Agriculture Victoria webpages (https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases/poultry-diseases/parrot-fever#h2-4.