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Title: AVIAN CHLAMYDIOSIS (BOOK CHAPTER FOR O.I.E. REVUE SCIENTIFIQUE ET TECHNIQUE - SPECIAL ISSUE ON DISEASES OF POULTRY IMPORTANT TO INT. TRADE)

Author
item Andersen, Arthur
item VANROMPAY, DAISY - UNIV. OF LEUVEN, BELGIUM

Submitted to: Office of International Epizootics Scientific and Technical Review
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/12/2000
Publication Date: 8/1/2000
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Avian chlamydiosis (AC) can be economically devastating to producers and a serious public health problem. Most infections in humans are due to exposure to psittacine birds and pigeons; however, outbreaks resulting in severe disease and even death do occur in abattoir workers following processing of infected flocks. The disease occurs primarily in turkeys and dducks, but can affect all types of poultry. The disease in poultry varies from one producing high morbidity and mortality to one that is asymptomatic. Farm workers and abattoir workers are at risk following exposure to either extreme. Although outbreaks of AC have declined since the 1970s, some parts of the world are now experiencing a rise in incidence. Whether the initial decrease was due to changes in production methods or to the increased use of antibiotics is poorly understood. Wild birds are often infected by the same strains as domestic flocks and are therefore thought to play a major role in introduction. Data also indicat that vertical transmission may occur. Persistently infected carrier birds are known to be a source of chlamydiosis in the pet bird industry, but have not been confirmed as a source of infection in poultry flocks.