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Probable psittacosis outbreak linked to wild birds
Barbara L Telfer1, Sarah A Moberley, Krishna P Hort
1Communicable Diseases Branch, New South Wales (NSW) State Department of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia. btelf@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
Emerging Infectious Diseases
|March 11, 2005
Summary
An outbreak of psittacosis in Australia was linked to living in the Blue Mountains and contact with wild birds. Lawn mowing without a catcher also increased risk, highlighting the need for protective measures.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Environmental Health
Background:
- An outbreak of probable psittacosis occurred in the Blue Mountains, Australia, in autumn 2002.
- Psittacosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Chlamydia psittaci, typically transmitted by infected birds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify independent risk factors associated with the psittacosis outbreak.
- To inform public health recommendations for preventing future cases.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted comparing hospitalized psittacosis patients with randomly selected residents.
- Exposures of 48 case-patients and 310 controls were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Independent risk factors included residence in the upper Blue Mountains (OR 15.2), age 50-64 years (OR 3.9), direct contact with wild birds (OR 7.4), and mowing lawns without a grass catcher (OR 3.2).
Conclusions:
- Living in the upper Blue Mountains, certain age groups, direct contact with wild birds, and lawn mowing practices were significant risk factors for psittacosis.
- Protective equipment is recommended during outdoor activities in areas with free-ranging birds to prevent exposure to birds and their droppings.