Chlamydiosis in birds in Great Britain. 1. Serological reactions to chlamydia in birds sampled between 1974 and 1983.

A total of 6593 serum samples from birds, received for diagnostic testing or surveys between 1974 and 1983, were titrated by direct complement fixation (CF) test against Chlamydia psittaci antigen. The percentage of positive reactions found was variable for domestic poultry, ranging from 1.5 in chickens to 22.2 in geese, and was highest in pigeons Columba livia (47.3) and collared doves Streptopelia decaocto (51.4). A moderate incidence was found for game birds (29.0), wild ducks (23.3) and imported birds of the order Psittaciformes (15.9). The highest titres were found in pigeons, collared doves and psittacines, confirming that infection is both frequent and active in these birds in Britain. Results of isolation of chlamydia from similar sources will be reported subsequently.