Routine prophylactic antibiotic treatment for birds against Chlamydia psittaci is

• A. Highly encouraged
• B. Moderately encouraged
• C. Highly discouraged
• D. Mandatory

Answer: (C)

Using antibiotics prophylactically in birds to prevent Chlamydia psittaci is strongly discouraged because it does not reliably prevent infection or shedding and can do more harm than good. Giving meds to all birds without signs can mask illness, delay accurate diagnosis, and allow subclinical carriers to continue spreading the organism. It also promotes antimicrobial resistance and can disrupt the birds’ normal gut microbiota, with potential adverse effects. In addition, treatment may reduce clinical signs without fully stopping shedding, so the zoonotic risk to people remains. The preferred approach is strict biosecurity, quarantine, and diagnostic testing, with antibiotics used only under veterinary guidance for birds with confirmed infection. This strategy supports animal and human health and aligns with prudent antibiotic use.