Originally published Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 12:00 AM
Stores may have sold diseased birds
A Bellingham pet store may have sold birds that were infected with a disease that can be passed to humans. Some birds shipped by a national...
The Bellingham Herald
A Bellingham pet store may have sold birds that were infected with a disease that can be passed to humans.
Some birds shipped by a national distributor tested positive for avian chlamydiosis, a bird disease that can cause psittacosis when contracted by humans, according to a Washington state Department of Health news release.
Twenty PetSmart stores in the state, including the store on Meridian Street in Bellingham, received birds from the vendor. The birds may have been sold since October.
The disease is generally mild in humans, but can become more serious if it is not recognized and treated, according to the news release.
There have been no reports of humans contracting the disease thus far. It is not the same as avian influenza or "bird flu," which has made headlines in recent years.
Humans can contract the disease when they inhale dust from dried bird droppings or respiratory secretions.
It can cause a fever, chills, headaches and a cough between five and 19 days after exposure, according to the news release.
It is unclear what kind of birds were infected or sold by PetSmart, but the disease is most often found in cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots and parakeets, according to the news release.
PetSmart has removed all the birds supplied by the vendor and is treating its sick and exposed birds with antibiotics, according to the news release. Customers who bought birds from the store will be receiving letters informing them of the potential for the disease.
Managers at the Bellingham PetSmart did not return phone calls seeking comment.
Regularly cleaning bird cages can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Anyone who develops the symptoms of psittacosis and has been near pet birds is encouraged to contact a doctor.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
Danny Westneat: Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor
Parents want answers on new Seattle school boundaries
3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday

Mourners gather at KeyArena for slain officer's memorial
Mourners gathered at KeyArena for the memorial service of Seattle police Officer Timothy Brenton on November 6, 2009.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Briefs | Soccer: New Mexico suspends hair-pulling player Elizabeth Lambert
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Huskies suffer another heartbreaking loss to UCLA
- McGinn pulling away as late ballots come in
- Using anti-shooter tactics, civilian Army police officer brought down gunman
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- U.S. House passes health plan
360 - Weapons, bomb-making materials found in suspect's apartment
337 - Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
247 - Decision day for health care in the House
211 - Referendum 71 show's Washington's strategy for marriage equality is working
158 - Grading the game
158 - How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
83 - Sounders FC-Dynamo playoff Game 2 thread
79 - Game thread: Detroit Lions at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 8
74 - Fort Hood shooting suspect had shown troubling signs
68
- Suspect shot as city mourns slain officer
- Flags were key link to cop slaying, bombings
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 10 investing missteps to avoid
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- How do innovators think?
- Tlingit heritage helps glass artist Preston Singletary break new ground
- Danny Westneat | Lee the Horse Logger found slow wagon shrank tumor





