[Occurrence and control of psittacosis/ornithosis in West Germany]

Avian chlamydiosis remains to be an important, in birds widely spread zoonosis. In the past 15 years in the Federal Republic of Germany 6133 cases in birds or aviaries officially were recorded, 88% in aviaries consisting of psittacines, 9% in pigeons and 3% in other bird species. Among all bird species psittacines are of greatest importance for human health. Therefore, public health control measures must concentrate on these species. For this purpose the longterm-treatment with tetracyclines in feed or by intramuscular injection has proved effective since chlamydial agents perfectly can be eliminated. But control of psittacosis by medication in the hands of laymen is problematical. Effectivity of medication depends on proper and careful performance. Therefore, if treatment is necessary due to state regulations, strict surveillance, including measuring of antibiotic levels in blood, by experienced veterinary public health personnel is mandatory.