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Chlamydia psittaci (Cp) is an obligate intracellular bacterium, transmitted through aerosols from nasal and optic secretions, tissues, feces, and feathers. Although commonly identified in birds, genotypes have emerged that can infect new mammalian reservoirs. Therefore, of rectal swabs samples of five Mustella putorios furo individuals and a cloacal swab sample of Colinus cristatus in captivity, in Venezuela, were tested for Cp, using the nested PCR amplifying a segment of the 16S rDNA gene. The presence of Cp was found in four asymptomatic Mustela putorios furo and one symptomatic Colinus cristatus for avian chlamydiosis, indicating a new potential reservoir for Cp. The contact with excretions of infected Colinus cristatus and Psittaciformes, as well as overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and inadequate sanitary conditions can favor Cp infection. The total number of Cp reservoirs is unknown; therefore, the noting and molecular characterization of isolates enable the understanding, distribution, and diversity of chlamydial agents in wildlife and animals in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]