To estimate the incidence of psittacosis, describe the characteristics of hospitalized cases, and assess the relevance of psittacosis surveillance, the French Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) coordinated a prospective descriptive study in 2008–2009 across the 16 departments in western and southwestern France most affected by poultry farming. Cases were identified through 74 participating hospital departments. Diagnoses were confirmed at the National Chlamydia Research Center (CNR). Veterinary investigations were conducted at the sites of exposure for the cases. One hundred fifteen suspected cases were reported, of which 54 were biologically confirmed (47%); 70% resided in the Pays de la Loire region; 75% were men; the median age was 50 years (range 17–81 years); 2 cases died. Fifty-seven cases had occupational exposure to birds, most frequently to ducks (84%); 71 had non-occupational exposure (60% to poultry, 53% to pet birds). Ten clusters of 2 to 10 cases were identified, 7 linked to occupational exposure to ducks and 1 to a bird fair. Psittacosis does not appear to be a major public health problem in terms of frequency, severity, and epidemic potential in the general population. The implementation of surveillance does not appear warranted. In the workplace, reporting suspected cases to occupational health services could help identify risky work practices or conditions and enable the implementation or strengthening of preventive measures. (R.A.)