- Case counts (2016-2025), population estimates (2016-2023), & population projections (2024-2025): Public Health Ontario.
- Query: Case counts of reportable diseases by public health unit and year. Toronto, ON: Ontario Agency for Health Protection and Promotion; extracted on March 9, 2026.
Psittacosis/Ornithosis
Psittacosis is caused by the bacteria Chlamydophila psittaci. It is also known as parrot fever or ornithosis. It is spread to humans from infected birds. Birds from the parrot family are the most common carriers; less common carriers are poultry, pigeons, and sea birds. Though rare, people who own pet birds or work with birds (e.g., at pet shops, veterinary clinics, farms) are most at risk.
Local Information
2025 Statistics
Incidence rate is the number of new cases of disease divided by the number of persons at risk for the disease during a particular time period.
Cases:
0*
Incidence rate per 100,000 in 2025: 0
*Includes confirmed cases in 2025.
Incidence rate per 100,000 of psittacosis/ornithosis by year
More information about psittacosis/ornithosis
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Report to the Health Unit within one business day by fax (705-482-0670) or phone at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229 if psittacosis/ornithosis is suspected or confirmed as per Ontario Regulation 135/18 and amendments under the Health Protection and Promotion Act, R.S.O., c.H.7.
Should one go to childcare, school, or work if they have psittacosis/ornithosis?
No exclusion necessary. Infected individuals should be instructed on using proper hand hygiene and proper cough etiquette.
Follow the direction of your healthcare provider, public health case manager, or occupational health at your workplace.
Healthcare provider information
Public Health Ontario
Public Health Ontario
- Psittacosis
Ministry of Health - Ontario Public Health Standards
- Infectious Disease Protocol, Appendix 1: Psittacosis/Ornithosis
- Management of Avian Chlamydiosis in Birds and Equids Guideline, 2025
Public Health Agency of Canada
Contact our Communicable Disease Control (CDC) program at 705-474-1400 or toll free at 1-800-563-2808, ext. 5229, or by email to cdc@healthunit.ca for more information.
Last updated: Apr 2026, by CDC