Experimental Transmission of Chlamydia psittaci to Turkeys from Wild Birds

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Abstract
Wild birds were inoculated with C. psittaci to determine species that could be potential hosts and vectors in transmitting the agent to domestic turkeys. Infection occurred in turkeys exposed to starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), common grackles (Quiscalus quiscula), brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) and Inca doves (Scardafella inca). Mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura) shed the agent sparingly but turkeys exposed to them did not become infected. The Inca dove should be considered a potential source of turkey chlamydiosis in Texas [USA]. Both studied and non-studied should be included in serologic surveys and surveillance studies attempting isolation of chlamydiae.