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 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.