| The treatment of birds suspected or known to be infected with psittacosis caused by Chlamydia psittaci is accomplished using chlortetracycline (CTC) in the feed. Water treatment with the drug is not successful. The drug tends to undergo degradation (losing potency as it exists in water) and the intake of the drug from water is less than required because the birds refuse to a major extent to drink the water with the CTC in it. So far, strains of C. psittaci have responded to the treatment, but the owner of the bird(s) has to understand that there is always the possibility of a resistant strain of the bacteria occurring. For this reason one should remain in contact with their veterinarian to follow the course of the disease from its stage of illness to the conclusion of its successful treatment. If at the mid point of treatment no change for the better is obvious in the bird's health then the bird should be reexamined by the veterinarian, and cultures may need to be taken for testing of resistance to CTC or the possibility of a complicated clinical situation. The amount of CTC that is needed is 1% (10 mg per gram) of diet. The diet must be fed for 45 days to insure that the treatment is effective. Although the birds may overcome their sick appearance and look very healthy, be sure to continue the treatment for the 45 days. The reason to do that is because early withdrawal from the treatment can result in a relapse or return of the disease. Use a calendar to keep track of the time for treatment and make a note of the day you start and the 45th day later. This may sound basic, but you would be amazed at the high percentage of bird owners that lose track of time. |
The transport of 1% CTC Medicated Diet across state lines is permissible as regulated by the FDA according to public law 21 CFR Part
158.128. This law provides an exemption to the laws of drug regulations that is unique for CTC drug use to treat psittacosis.
Dr D's Medicated Diet is a diet designed to supply a balance of excellent nutrition so that the bird will receive benefit maximally from the
action of the CTC. The vitamins are present in amounts to allow for stress situations, and the protein (amino acid profile) is balanced to the
energy concentration of the diet to allow optimal return of the bird to health. Minerals are also present in the proper concentrations along
with fiber to allow proper intestinal action. Remember that Dr D's Plant-Pro diets do not have animal products and thus avoid the possibility
of E coil or Salmonella coming into the diet from those contents.
158.128. This law provides an exemption to the laws of drug regulations that is unique for CTC drug use to treat psittacosis.
Dr D's Medicated Diet is a diet designed to supply a balance of excellent nutrition so that the bird will receive benefit maximally from the
action of the CTC. The vitamins are present in amounts to allow for stress situations, and the protein (amino acid profile) is balanced to the
energy concentration of the diet to allow optimal return of the bird to health. Minerals are also present in the proper concentrations along
with fiber to allow proper intestinal action. Remember that Dr D's Plant-Pro diets do not have animal products and thus avoid the possibility
of E coil or Salmonella coming into the diet from those contents.
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