True or False: Healthy birds may transmit Chlamydia psittaci.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only sick birds may transmit
• D. Transmission occurs only through droppings

Answer: (A)

Healthy birds can carry Chlamydia psittaci and shed it even when they appear well. Subclinical birds may release the organism in multiple ways—feces, respiratory or ocular secretions, and feather dust—so people and other birds can become infected through inhalation or contact with contaminated material. This means transmission isn’t limited to sick birds or to droppings alone; a bird can shed and spread the pathogen without showing illness, and environmental contamination plays a big role. This is why management practices emphasize screening and quarantine of new birds, good hygiene, and avoidance of high-dust environments to reduce exposure.