Abstract
Currently there is a resurgence of interest
and even anxiety over an apparently
real increase in the number of proven
and suspect cases of psittacosis reported
in both humans and birds. The report of
the Infectious Disease Section of the
State Department of Health confirms the
diagnosis of at least 20 human cases during
1975, the largest number of cases in
over a decade. Since the latter part of
October, 1975, our laboratory has diagnosed
11 cases in birds and is studying
several more. It has reached the point
where at least two public health officials
have suggested that we solve the problem
by prohibiting the sale of all birds. This
simplistic approach must be resisted and
replaced by a more realistic solution devised
by all concerned parties working
together. In pursuit of such a solution,
all recognized pet or exotic bird veterinarians
were invited to meet for an evening
discussion of psittacosis on February
24 at the San Gabriel Laboratory. Plans
are currently underway to have a day
long symposium on psittacosis in the
second week of May. Recognized researchers,
state and federal regulatory
officials, quarantine station operators,
wholesalers, representatives of the more
prominent aviculture societies, etc. will
all join for a thorough review of the
current problem in all of its aspects and,
hopefully, will propose answers for some
of the more pressing problems. If answers
are not to be had, hopefully, research will
be initiated when the problem areas are
more clearly defined. In addition, we are
scheduled to address two bird clubs on
the subject of psittacosis, in March. There
is also an informative newsletter being
circulated to many dealers, retailers and
owners of cage and aviary birds by the
Cooperative Extension of the University
of California. You will be kept abreast of
further developments in this effort and
we solicit your comments, suggestions
and questions at any time.