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Living with Ornithosis

A bacterial infection usually passed from birds to people.

Understanding Ornithosis

Ornithosis is a disease caused by Chlamydophila psittaci bacteria, usually passed from birds to humans.

GARD gives limited detail on this condition. It is an infection that people usually catch from birds.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
How is ornithosis diagnosed and treated?
How can I reduce the chance of catching it from birds?
Which symptoms should lead me to seek care quickly?

Quick facts

Chlamydophila psittaci bacteria cause this disease. They are usually passed from birds to humans.

Infectious

Also known as: chlamydia psittaci; chlamydia psittaci infection; chlamydial pneumonia; parrot fever; parrot fever due to chlamydia psitacci; psittacosis

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · OrnithosisGARD ID 7492 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Ornithosis.

Explore the Ornithosis blog

Explore research for Ornithosis

Explore actively recruiting Ornithosis studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ornithosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Ornithosis studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Ornithosis

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Ornithosis

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Ornithosis experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your Ornithosis journal

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