Psittacosis outbreak after participation in a bird fair, Western France, December 2008

Abstract

In December 2008, three hospitalized cases of suspected psittacosis infection were notified by respiratory disease clinicians from a local hospital to the Regional Epidemiology Unit of Pays de la Loire, France. They all had attended a bird fair. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among exhibitors and organizers to identify potential risk factors in relation to this fair. Environmental and veterinary investigations were implemented to trace potential sources of infection. We identified two confirmed, two probable and 44 possible cases among participants. The attack rate in exhibitors and organizers was 38% (33/86). The median incubation period was 11 days (range 6-22 days). Individuals located in two particular sectors of the showroom were found to be at double the risk of developing psittacosis (relative rate 2·1, 95% confidence interval 1·03-4·18) than those in other sectors. Pooled faecal samples of birds belonging to a possible case exhibitor tested positive for Chlamydiaceae by PCR. Ventilation conditions in the showroom were inadequate. This investigation allowed the formulation of recommendations to prevent psittacosis in bird exhibitions which are held weekly in France.

Laboratory methods for case finding in human psittacosis outbreaks: a systematic review

“…Seven of the 16 larger outbreaks with ten or more cases, took place in poultry processing plants/slaughterhouses and poultry farms [11–17]. Other larger outbreaks were related to a bird show or bird park [3, 18, 19], at a veterinary teaching hospital [20], an aviary in an institution [21], a distribution of birds from the same breeder [22] and two were linked to wild birds in Australia [23, 24]. In one large outbreak transmission took place in hospital setting [25].…”

“…Ducks and human cases linked by PCR sequencing OmpA gene. Cross-reactions C. pneumoniae and C. trachomatis checked by MIF.Belchior et al, 2011 [19]2008, FranceParticipants bird fair organized by breeders of Psittacidae 2 RT-PCR 2/3 throat swabMIF 2/29 (probable cases)NoRetrospective cohort ( n  = 86) study, AR 33/86, 11/48 suspected cases hospitalized, 29/48 tested by serology.Yang et al, 2011 [38]2009, ChinaPeacock farmers of a flock of sick peacocksGenotyping OmpA on isolateIF IgG 4/4 20 days post infectionThroat swab 1/4First report of psittacosis in peacocks and peacock farmers.McGuigan et al, 2012 [43]2011–2012, Scotland (UK)Outbreak investigation after pneumonia in 4 family members and 1 health care workerRT-PCR 3/6, spp. specific PCR 3/3CFT positive in 3 confirmed cases, 1 probable case and 4 possible casesNoPerson-to-person spread to healthcare worker with same PCR OmpA strain as index case and to 1 possible case staying at ICU with index case.…”

“…Comprehensive testing strategies for outbreak situations were found in the articles of Heddema et al (2006) [20] and of Belchior et al (2011) [19]. In an outbreak at a veterinary teaching hospital, Heddema et al (2006) used PCR [47] in as many subjects as possible in combination with serology (CFT and ELISA on paired samples) for human case finding.…”

Investigation and management of psittacosis in a public aviary: A One Health approach

“…Schlossberg and colleagues (13) described 13 human cases of psittacosis attributed to an aviary in a church basement. Small outbreaks have also been reported following bird shows, such as the 18 people who developed psittacosis after visiting a bird show in the Netherlands (14) and 2 confirmed (along with 46 probable and possible) cases following a bird fair in France (15). Outbreaks have also been reported in outdoor aviary settings, such as in Megellanic penguins at the San Francisco Zoo, with no human cases reported (16).…”

Zoonoses in pet birds: review and perspectives

“…Several times a year, performing birds are brought to shows and competitions, where exchange or selling could occur, and by the same way, transmission of pathogens, as this has been well illustrated by several authors [7,8]. In the case of the “kitchen-canary”, it could be interesting to mention that in the summer, the cages can be moved outside, in order to allow the bird to sunbathe.…”