Section 27.183. Occurrence of psittacosis

(a) The occurrence of a case of psittacosis in the human or avian family shall be cause for the LMRO to make an epidemiologic investigation to determine the source of infection.

(b) Psittacine birds or other birds found on the same premises with a case of human or avian psittacosis shall be quarantined and treated, or destroyed, as prescribed by the Department or local health authority. Aviaries, pet shops or other sources from which the birds were procured shall be quarantined until the quarantine is terminated by the Department or local health authority. If quarantine is not maintained, the Department or local health authority may seize and destroy the birds for which quarantine was ordered. The Department or local health authority shall destroy the bodies of the birds in a manner which will preclude, insofar as possible, the dissemination of the suspected infecting organism.

(c) A bird with psittacosis that has been placed under quarantine may not be sold or removed from isolation until it has been treated for at least 7 days. After 7 days, the bird may be sold, but the seller shall make the buyer aware in writing of the significance of psittacosis and the signs and symptoms for which to look. The signed receipt shall include a copy of any documents provided to the new owner, and shall be maintained at the place of sale for 6 months after the sale of the quarantined bird. The duration of additional treatment necessary shall be established at the time of sale and the seller shall inform the new owner of the duration of the additional treatment. The seller shall supply the new owner with a supply of medicated feed sufficient for the duration of the treatment.

The provisions of this § 27.183 amended January 25, 2002, effective January 26, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 491. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (243703).