A common-source outbreaks of ornithosis in veterinary surgeons.

Presumed or confirmed ornithosis developed in 15 of 46 veterinary surgeons within 3 weeks of their attending a training course on the supervision of poultry processing plants. A duck processing plant was the probable source of infection. The attack rate in those visiting this plant was 44% (15/34) and the rate in those who had close contact with duck feathers was 1.7 times the rate in the remainder of the group who visited the plant. The incubation period ranged from 6 to 20 days. This is the second outbreak of the duck-associated ornithosis to be recognised in the U.K.