Pet Parrots Research Articles

Conservation status of the recently described Ecuadorian Amazon parrot Amazona lilacina

SummaryAmazona lilacina is a threatened species endemic to Ecuador, existing across a patchwork of mangroves, lowland coastal forests, agricultural and community owned land. The species was described in 2014 and listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, however, full assessment of the population was lacking. Using a combination of field observations, roost surveys and community questionnaires, conducted over the last 20 years, we provide up-to-date information on the species’ Extent of Occurrence, estimate its global population size, and evaluate its level of threat. Our results suggest the species occurs across an area of 19,890 km2 in three distinct geographically isolated subpopulations. Roost surveys across the range estimate the minimum remaining population at 741–1,090 individuals and we present evidence to suggest a 60% decline over the past 19 years in one part of the species’ range. We conducted community questionnaires with 427 people from 52 communities. The presence of pet parrots was reported in 37 communities, including 17 communities which reported pet A. lilacina. From this we predict that over half of all communities within our study area keep parrots as pets and at least 96 communities keep A. lilacina. Our findings justify an IUCN Red Listing of at least ‘Endangered’ for this species and highlight the need for conservation support. In order to assess population health in more detail, further research is required to assess genetic diversity and roost dynamics, and to identify areas that may be important for feeding and nesting throughout the range. As many of these areas are likely to overlap with community owned land, we suggest that future conservation actions should revolve around, and be led by, these communities.

Development of an SNP-based parentage verification panel for lovebirds.

The genus Agapornis, or lovebirds, are popular pet parrots worldwide. Currently, breeders are dependent on pedigree records as a selection tool as no molecular parentage verification test is available for any of the nine species. The A.roseicollis reference genome was recently assembled. This was followed by the sequencing of the whole genomes of the parents of the reference genome individual at 30× coverage. The parents' reads were mapped against the reference genome to identify SNPs. Over 1.6 million SNPs, shared between the parents, were discovered using the Genome Analysis Toolkit pipeline. SNPs were filtered to a panel of 480 SNPs based on Genome Analysis Toolkit parameters. The panel of 480 SNPs was genotyped in a population of 960 lovebirds across seven species. A panel of 262 SNPs was compiled that included SNPs successfully amplified across all species. The 262-SNP panel was reduced based on the observed heterozygosity (HO ) and minor allele frequency (MAF) values per SNP to include the lowest number of SNPs with the highest exclusion power for parentage verification. Two smaller panels consisting of 195 SNPs with MAF and HO values>0.1 and 40 SNPs with MAF and HO values>0.3, were constructed. The panels were verified using 43 families from different species with known relationships to evaluate the exclusion power of each panel. The 195 SNP panel with an average exclusion probability of 99.9% and MAF and HO values>0.1 was proposed as the routine Agapornis parentage verification panel.

Effects of Fluorescent Lighting Versus Sunlight Exposure on Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, and Feather Destructive Behavior in Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Low exposure to ultraviolet light, and resulting vitamin D deficiency, has recently been linked to autism spectrum disorder in people. Captive psittacine birds that exhibit feather destructive behavior share similarities with people affected by autism spectrum disorder, such as repetitive (stereotypies) and self-harming behaviors. The metabolic and psychological effects of housing pet parrots indoors without ultraviolet B lighting are not typically considered in animal husbandry or veterinary care. Calcifediol (serum vitamin D), ionized calcium, and ionized magnesium levels were compared between 10 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis) housed indoors and 10 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots historically housed outdoors. Although ionized calcium and magnesium levels were not significantly different, calcifediol levels were significantly greater in the colony of birds housed outdoors. Further, these 2 research colonies of individually housed birds were feather scored. Subjectively, the birds that were housed indoors had greater self-inflicted feather damage than did those housed outdoors; however, the difference was not statistically significant.

William Harvey and the Discovery of the Circulation of the Blood

William Harvey and the Discovery of the Circulation of the Blood

Detection and phylogenetic analysis of parrot bornavirus 4 identified from a Swedish Blue-winged macaw (Primolius maracana) with unusual nonsuppurative myositis

ABSTRACTBackground: The genus Orthobornavirus comprises RNA viruses infecting humans, mammals, birds and reptiles, where parrot bornavirus 1 to 8 causes fatal neurological and/or gastrointestinal syndromes in psittacines. There is, to the best of our knowledge, no publication describing avian bornaviruses in pet parrots in Sweden. We aimed to identify and to produce epidemiologic knowledge about the etiologic agent associated with a history of severe weight loss and death of a Primolius maracana.Methods and results: The results of histopathology, immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR were compatible with avian bornavirus infection. Sequencing indicated infection by parrot bornavirus 4 (PaBV-4). The genotype reported shared high identity with PaBV-4 identified from pet psittacines and from wild birds in several countries. The N gene and X protein showed genotype clusters formation. P protein revealed to be more conserved within and between species of bornaviruses. Findings suggest horizontal transmission within and between avian orders and species.Conclusion: There seems to be a worldwide trading without biosafety measures, hence, further disease transmission could be avoided. For screening purposes, the P gene is a good candidate as a universal target in molecular diagnostics. Wild birds may be key pieces in the puzzle of bornavirus epidemiology.

DIAGNOSING MILLIARY MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS FROM THE PROSTATE OF AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT HOST

SESSION TITLE: Chest Infections 1 SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Report PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 03:45 PM - 04:45 PM INTRODUCTION: Zoonotic infection from Mycobacterium Bovis remains an important consideration for tuberculous disease in the developing world. We present a challenging case of hematogenous Mycobacterial dissemination from an uncommon culprit. CASE PRESENTATION: A 53 year old Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccinated and otherwise healthy Mexican male presented with complaints of fever, productive cough, arthralgias and weight loss over the preceding 21 days. He had already completed two separate outpatient courses of oral antibiotics without improvement. He denied any travel outside of the continental United States over the last 13 years and denied any recent sick contacts. He also owned 2 pet parrots. His physical exam and initial laboratory work up was unremarkable. A Chest X-ray (Fig. 1) revealed diffuse, bilateral, micronodular opacities, warranting further evaluation with Computed Tomography (CT) (Fig. 2). Initial acid-fast bacilli (AFB) sputum stains, bronchoalveolar lavage stains, cytology brushings and trans-bronchial biopsies were all negative. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and opportunistic fungal panels were obtained which were unremarkable. Interferon gamma release assay was positive however equivocal given patient's BCG vaccination status. CT Chest, Abdomen and Pelvis (Fig. 3) was performed, which incidentally revealed an enlarged, heterogeneous prostate with fluid collections. Ultrasound guided aspiration of the prostate yielded pus and a strongly positive AFB smear. Eventually, the AFB cultures from the initial BAL came back positive. The patient was started on RIPE therapy with symptomatic improvement. Final speciation returned as M. Bovis and accordingly, pyrazinamide was stopped. DISCUSSION: M. bovis disease was common in the industrialized world before the practice of pasteurization became widely implemented in the 1940s. Current estimates in the USA and Europe identify between 1.3%-1.6% of tuberculosis cases attributable to M. Bovis. Infections are typically contracted via ingestion of unpasteurized dairy products from infected livestock and may remain dormant for many years, as was likely the situation in this case. Given the oral inoculation route, most cases of M.bovis manifest primarily with extrapulmonary findings. Of note, M. Bovis has documented intrinsic resistance to pyrazinamide which necessitates modification of typical RIPE treatment strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of disseminated TB remains a challenge. Regarding M. Bovis, the mean time to diagnosis has increased among practitioners given the diminishing incidence of infection. Vigilance of the disseminated and often extra-pulmonary form of tuberculosis caused by M. Bovis continues to be warranted. Patients at particular risk for M.bovis are those from developing countries, with frequent exposure to livestock and/or the practice of unpasteurized dairy product consumption. Reference #1: Scott. C. Human Tuberculosis Caused by Mycobacterium bovis in the United States, 2006-2013. Clin Infect Dis. 2016 Sep 1;63(5):594-601. Reference #2: Sherman LF. Patient and health care system delays in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis. 1999 Dec;3(12):1088-95. Reference #3: Majoor, C.J. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis disease in humans, The Netherlands, 1993-2007. Emerg Infect Dis. 2011 Mar;17(3):457-63. DISCLOSURES: no disclosure on file for Christopher Barrios; No relevant relationships by Armin Krvavac, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Scott Maughan, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Pujan Patel, source=Web Response

Foraging toys and environmental enrichment for parrots

Parrots are extremely popular pets, being kept for many reasons including as companions; for entertainment due to their often quirky personalities and their ability to talk; and for appreciation of their colourful plumage. Many are very long-lived, and their intelligence level is often underestimated. Behavioural problems due to poor welfare are widespread within the captive parrot population. Essentially, parrots are still behaviourally wild birds, therefore to understand the behaviour and husbandry requirements of the pet parrot we need to understand the behaviour of the wild counterpart. They are extremely social species and rely on conspecifics for preening, bonding, play and security. Many pet parrots are kept without conspecifics, therefore owners should be educated on the best way to provide care that meets the needs of parrots as well as possible within that constraint. Environmental enrichment and foraging toys are examined and discussed. Providing enrichment in multiple ways — visual, foraging toys, sound and play — will dramatically improve the welfare and quality of life for these birds.

A bird's eye view of breakdown in parrot–caregiver relations

This article explores the reasons (the term differentials is often used by UK behaviourists) for aggression by pet parrots directed toward caregivers and household members when they attempt to physically interact with the parrot, and consequences that lack of touch may have on the caregiver–parrot relationship. It also outlines the role of a properly trained behaviourist in explaining the aggressive behaviour to the parrot's owner and developing a behaviour modification plan appropriate to the needs of both the parrot and the caregiver. Each owner–parrot relationship is individual, therefore an individual plan is required for each case; it is beyond the scope of this article to detail such plans.

Trade of parrots in urban areas of Madagascar

The live capture of parrots is causing increasing concern across Africa. In Madagascar, home to three species of parrot ( Coracopsis nigra , C. vasa , A gapornis canus ), no study has examined how these species are being extracted from the wild and traded. In this study, we examined the procurement, length of ownership, and the end of ownership of pet parrots. Data were collected via household surveys (n = 440 interviews in 9 towns), market visits (nd = 1 7 markets in 6 towns), and opportunistic data collection methods in urban, Malagasy towns. Most Coracopsis spp. are purchased (59%) or captured directly by the owner from the wild (22%), although we were unable to determine how A. canus was procured. Survey respondents reported purchasing Coracopsis spp. for the price of USD 5.36 ± 3.20. The average Coracopsis spp. was kept in captivity for 3.1 7 ± 2.51 years. No survey respondents provided information on the purchase price or length of ownership for A. canus . Ownership ended primarily when Coracopsis spp. escaped/flew away (36%) or died of unknown causes (21%). A. canus also flew away, although this was only reported in one instance. In-country demand appears to be met by a trade network of both informal and formal actors. It is unclear whether current protections for Madagascar’s parrots, as far as the domestic market is concerned, are sufficient to ensure sustainable extraction of live individuals.

Ownership of parrots in Madagascar: extent and conservation implications

AbstractThe trade of live parrots is a threat to wild populations but is understudied. Madagascar is home to three parrot species listed on CITES Appendix II: Coracopsis nigra, Coracopsis vasa and Agapornis canus. Prior to this study there were no data on the ownership of parrots in Madagascar. We therefore aimed to investigate the extent of the domestic pet trade in this group. Our objectives were to quantify the prevalence, spatial extent, and timing of ownership. We collected data in July and August 2016 in nine urban towns across Madagascar, using semi-structured household surveys (n = 440). We found that the ownership of pet parrots is widespread in time and space; 37% (95% CI 26–48%) of interviewees had seen, and 8% (95% CI 3–13%) had owned, a Coracopsis sp. Fewer interviewees (4.5% of all interviewees) had seen A. canus in captivity, and only one individual reported having previously owned an A. canus. We estimate that 1,290 Coracopsis spp. individuals were held in captivity in the towns surveyed, in the 1.5 years prior to our interviews. It is likely that much of this ownership is illegal, although we did not examine this explicitly. Additional research is needed to determine whether current extraction rates are sustainable. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that the domestic regulation of the trade of wild species is not being addressed adequately in Madagascar.

Vile Birds and Beasts in Jean Lemaire de Belges’s Epîtres de l’Amant Vert

This article studies the various physical, social, and moral criteria that determine villainy – in the various senses implied by Maurice de la Porte’s Epithetes (1571) – in Renaissance birds. It focuses primarily on Jean Lemaire de Belges’s Epîtres de l’Amant Vert (1505–11), two poems whose praise of Lemaire’s patron, Marguerite d’Autriche, is couched in praise of (and by) her pet parrot, the Amant Vert. For all that the poems show the Amant Vert’s distinctions between the vile and the noble to be confirmed in the afterlife, his serio-comic perception of himself as tragically noble risks destabilizing his narrative judgement: he is, after all, a parrot. The article therefore considers the ambiguity of the Amant Vert and the contrasting stability of his conceptions of the vile, comparing his criteria for determining villainy with those found in less paradoxical forms of writing. This study of villainy in Renaissance birds thereby tests how valuable a contribution such ambiguous or unstable genres as the serio-comic or the paradoxical may make to the study of shifting and versatile concepts such as the vile.

Computed tomographic anatomy of the heads of blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna), African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), and monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus)

OBJECTIVE To create an atlas of the normal CT anatomy of the head of blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna), African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus), and monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus). ANIMALS 3 blue-and-gold macaws, 5 African grey parrots, and 6 monk parakeets and cadavers of 4 adult blue-and-gold macaws, 4 adult African grey parrots, and 7 monk parakeets. PROCEDURES Contrast-enhanced CT imaging of the head of the live birds was performed with a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Cadaveric specimens were stored at -20°C until completely frozen, and each head was then sliced at 5-mm intervals to create reference cross sections. Frozen cross sections were cleaned with water and photographed on both sides. Anatomic structures within each head were identified with the aid of the available literature, labeled first on anatomic photographs, and then matched to and labeled on corresponding CT images. The best CT reconstruction filter, window width, and window level for obtaining diagnostic images of each structure were also identified. RESULTS Most of the clinically relevant structures of the head were identified in both the cross-sectional photographs and corresponding CT images. Optimal visibility of the bony structures was achieved via CT with a standard soft tissue filter and pulmonary window. The use of contrast medium allowed a thorough evaluation of the soft tissues. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The labeled CT images and photographs of anatomic structures of the heads of common pet parrot species created in this study may be useful as an atlas to aid interpretation of images obtained with any imaging modality.

An association between feather damaging behavior and corticosterone metabolite excretion in captive African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus).

BackgroundAfrican grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are kept as pets and are frequently hand-reared. It has been observed that hand-reared African grey parrots may develop behavioral disorders such as feather damaging behavior (FDB). It is well known that chronic stress is involved in behavioral disorders in captive parrots. The main glucocorticoid in birds is corticosterone; its quantification provides information about adrenocortical activity and is considered to be a reliable indicator of stress levels in birds. We analyzed the differences in the excretion of corticosterone metabolites (CM) in the droppings of African grey parrots characterized by: 1. different rearing histories (parent rearing vs. hand rearing); and 2. the presence or absence of FDB in hand-reared parrots.MethodsA total of 82 African grey parrots that were kept in captivity were considered. According to breeding methods, three groups of birds were defined: 1. The parent-reared (PR) parrots included birds kept in pairs (n = 30 pairs) with a conspecific partner of the opposite sex. All of these birds were healthy and never showed FDB signs; 2. The healthy hand-reared parrots (H-HR) included pet parrots individually kept, that were hand-reared and did not display any sign of FDB (n = 11, 7 males and 4 females); 3. The FDB hand-reared parrot (FDB-HR) included pet parrots individually kept, that were hand-reared and displayed FDB (n = 11, 7 males and 4 females). Droppings were collected in the morning over three alternating days in autumn 2014 and spring 2015. The CM were determined using a multi-species corticosterone enzyme immunoassay kit. Split-plot repeated-measure ANOVA was used to examine any differences using group, season and group × season as the main factors.ResultsDifferent quantities of CM in droppings were found for the three groups. The mean CM value was 587 ng/g in the PR parrots, 494 ng/g in the H-HR parrots and 1,744 ng/g in the FDB-HR parrots, irrespective of the season. The excretion of CM in FDB-HR was significantly higher than in PR or H-HR parrots. CM in droppings were not influenced by the season (autumn vs. spring); furthermore, the interaction between group and sampling season was not significant. Limited to the H-HR and FDB-HR groups, a trend in the significance of the difference in the mean CM excreted by male and female birds was observed, with the levels excreted by males being higher than those excreted by females. When the effect of age was considered (in the two separate groups), there was a statistically significant positive correlation only for H-HR.ConclusionsThe highest amount of CM excretion was found in FDB-HR parrots, and a positive correlation between age and CM excretion was found in H-HR. Given that the CM excretion of both PR and H-HR parrots was similar in our study, future research is recommended to investigate the specific aspects of hand-rearing to improve parrot welfare.

Normal computed tomographic features and reference values for the coelomic cavity in pet parrots.

BackgroundThe increasing popularity gained by pet birds over recent decades has highlighted the role of avian medicine and surgery in the global veterinary scenario; such a need for speciality avian medical practice reflects the rising expectation for high-standard diagnostic imaging procedures. The aim of this study is to provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.ResultsContrast-enhanced computed tomographic studies of the coelomic cavity were performed in 5 blue-and-gold macaws, 4 African grey parrots and 6 monk parakeets by means of a 4-multidetector-row CT scanner. Both pre- and post-contrast scans were acquired. Anatomical reference cross-sections were obtained from 5 blue-and-gold macaw, 7 African grey parrot, and 9 monk parakeet cadavers. The specimens were stored in a −20 °C freezer until completely frozen and then sliced at 5-mm intervals by means of a band saw. All the slices were photographed on both sides. Individual anatomical structures were identified by means of the available literature. Pre- and post-contrast attenuation reference values for the main coelomic organs are reported in Hounsfield units (HU).ConclusionsThe results provide an atlas of matched anatomical cross-sections and contrast-enhanced CT images of the coelomic cavity in three highly diffused psittacine species.

Feather picking in pet parrots: sensitive species, risk factor and ethological evidence

The goals of this study were to estimate the prevalence of feather picking (FP) in Italian pet parrots and evaluate the risk factors and possible ethological correlation. A web survey was created and addressed to owners of all species of companion parrots, distributed through on line parrots association websites, social networks and by mail. The survey was available for compilation from June to October 2014. In 292 compiled surveys, 20 different parrots genera were indicated; Psittacus spp. (24.3%), Agapornis spp. (19.5%), Nymphicus hollandicus (18.0%) and Amazona spp. (9.0%) were the most represented species. Our study showed a FP prevalence of 17.5%, with the highest prevalence in Agapornis spp. (26.3%) and Psittacus spp. (22.5%). Living with other parrots was positively associated to FP (p < 0.05), such as being fed in neonatal age and weaned by the breeder and not by the final owner (p < 0.001). Moreover, 2.9% of non-FP parrots and 10.0% of FP parrots lived always caged (p = 0.06). A significant difference in the feather picking site was detected (p < 0.001). The most affected body region was the chest (58.8%), followed by the rump (41.2%) and under wing regions (25.4%). At the same time, we conducted another study to better understand some information from the hand-raised parrots through a comparison with the parent-raised parrots. We recorded 1488 parent-raised parrots, and only 1.3% were affected by feather loss. This finding confirm that FP is be considered a multi-factorial behavioral pathology in which factors of different origin may cause behavioral disorders associated to self-injuries.

New lipid-dependent Malassezia species from parrots

BackgroundAll the currently recognized Malassezia species have been isolated from mammals. However, only a few of them have been isolated from birds. In fact, birds have been less frequently studied as carriers of Malassezia yeasts than mammals. AimIn this study we describe two new taxa, Malassezia brasiliensis sp. nov. and Malassezia psittaci sp. nov. MethodsThe isolates studied in this publication were isolated from pet parrots from Brazil. They were characterized using the current morphological and physiological identification scheme. DNA sequencing and analysis of the D1/D2 regions of the 26S rRNA gene, the ITS-5.8S rRNA gene sequences and the β-tubulin gene were also performed. ResultsThe strains proposed as new species did not completely fit the phenotypic profiles of any the described species. The validation of these new species was supported by analysis of the genes studied. The multilocus sequence analysis of the three loci provides robust support to delineate these species. ConclusionsThese studies confirm the separation of these two new species from the other species of the genus Malassezia, as well as the presence of lipid-dependent Malassezia yeasts on parrots.

Feather plucking in parrots

Feather plucking, a common problem in pet parrots, can be a result of behavioural or medical influences. This article focuses primarily on the psychological and behavioural causes of feather-damaging behaviour,...

Social Dimensions of the Human–Avian Bond: Parrots and Their Persons

ABSTRACTThough birds are among the most popular companion animals in the United States, little scholarly research has focused on the human– companion parrot relationship. This study uses an ethnographic approach and qualitative analysis to examine the parrot–pet owner relationship. Two and onehalf weeks of ethnographic fieldwork were carried out in a veterinary clinic specializing in avian and exotic medicine. These observations complement the results of quantitative data and qualitative analysis of texts from questionnaires completed by 100 parrot owners outside the clinic. Both textual analysis and observations in the veterinary clinic revealed some interesting insights into the social dimensions of the human–companion parrot relationship, which was rated superior to that of cats and dogs by some bird owners. Various patterns of human–avian interactions emerged from the data, including childhood experience with birds, affection and physical contact with birds, birds as family members and the nature of the human–parrot bond, infantilization (delayed weaning and parrot as child surrogate), anthropomorphism (celebration of holidays, diet, death and spirituality, and misinterpretation of bird behavior), intersubjectivity and cognition, and anthropocentrism (bird as object). Misinterpretation of bird behavior and failure to recognize the unique physiological and social needs of their species may lead to impaired welfare. On the other hand, according the bird a social status as cherished family member, may enhance their welfare. In addition, other factors are considered that may enhance or detract from the welfare of companion parrots. In a discussion of hypotheses regarding the human–pet bond, it is concluded that the data presented by this study best support the social support hypothesis.

Ulcerative Dermatitis and Valvular Endocarditis Associated withStaphylococcus aureusin a Hyacinth Macaw (Anadorhynchus hyacinthinus)

An 18-yr-old male hyacinth macaw (Anadorhynchus hyacinthinus) was found dead in his aviary with no preexisting signs. The bird had a chronic history of feather damaging behavior, with severe ulcerative dermatitis. Pathologic findings revealed a vegetative valvular endocarditis, myocarditis, septicemia, chronic severe glomerulonephritis, and thyroid dysplasia. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from the valve, the liver, and the skin. Repeated trauma and low-rate bacteriemia may have contributed to the development of endocarditis. Translocation of S. aureus skin infection in the bloodstream may lead to subacute endocarditis in humans and such mechanism is suspected in this case. This case suggests that endocarditis associated with S. aureus septicemia is a potential complication of feather damaging behavior. This case also reports a systemic complication of ulcerative dermatitis secondary to feather damaging behavior. Endocarditis has been poorly reported in psittacine species, and such medical complication of feather damaging behavior has never been reported to our knowledge. Furthermore, S. aureus is a bacteria of public health concern and should be integrated into the differential when pet parrots with dermatitis are in proximity to owners.

Seroprevalence and genotype of Chlamydia in pet parrots in China

Parrots are one of the most popular pet birds in China, and can harbour Chlamydia which has significance for human and animal health. We investigated, by indirect haemagglutination assay, the seroprevalence of Chlamydia infection in four species of parrots, namely budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), lovebirds (Agapornis sp.), cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and Alexandrine parakeets (Psittacula eupatria) that were collected from Weifang and Beijing cities, North China and explored the association between potential risk factors and chlamydial seropositivity. We further determined the genotype of Chlamydia in 21 fresh faecal samples based on the ompA sequence by reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships. Of the 311 parrots examined, 35·37% (95% confidence interval 30·06-40·68) were seropositive, and species, gender, age, season and geographical location were identified as risk factors. Two PCR-positive samples represented Chlamydia psittaci genotype A. The occurrence of C. psittaci genotype A in the droppings of two pet parrots in China suggests potential environmental contamination with Chlamydiaceae and may raise a public health concern.