PetSmart pulls birds after illness reported

PetSmart stores have pulled birds from their shelves after cockatiels from a Florida vendor tested positive for a contagious avian disease that can spread to humans.

PetSmart outlets in North Spokane and Spokane Valley were among Washington stores that received birds from the distributor, which shipped some animals that carried avian chlamydiosis, a company spokeswoman said.

There are no reports of the disease, also known as “parrot fever,” in local people or animals, but other area bird store owners are taking precautions.

Caused by a bacterium frequently found in birds, the disease can spread to people who inhale dust from dried bird feces or respiratory secretions, according to the state Department of Health.

The stores earlier this month put all birds in “quiet” rooms until they can be put back on the sales floor, said Tracy Conrad, a spokeswoman for Phoenix-based PetSmart Inc. The company has pledged to treat sick and exposed birds with antibiotics, the department says.

PetSmart also sent a letter alerting people who bought birds since early October.

“We’ve been kind of passing it on to people to be aware of it and to beware of it,” said Tracy Conant, president of a nonprofit Airway Heights shelter called Pampered Parrots Avian Rescue.

Because shelter workers take in so many birds, they already quarantine new ones and test for diseases, including avian chlamydiosis, she said.

Infected birds may look drowsy and have poor appetites, runny eyes or noses and diarrhea, according to PetSmart. The disease can affect many bird species, but typically is found in members of the parrot family, the company says.

Bird Lover’s Outlet near NorthTown Mall will “definitely be on the lookout” for birds customers bring in for a trim that could be infected, said owner Kris Barber.

“We buy from local breeders, ones that we know personally,” she said. “We keep all of our babies isolated from the public.”

Local birds have been infected with – or died from – the disease in past years, said Kristen Dooley, owner of the Bird Shop.

“So it is out there and people need to be careful,” she said.

Problems arise when brokers buy mass quantities of birds from different places, Dooley said. Independent area pet stores buy from different, smaller breeders, Conant said.

People infected with the human form of the disease, called psittacosis, typically experience fever, chills, headache and coughing, developing symptoms five to 19 days after exposure, according to the Department of Health. Though the disease is “often mild” and can be treated by antibiotics, it can be serious if untreated.

Birds can carry the disease without showing symptoms, Conant said. Treating birds requires a 45-day course of medication that costs $75 a bottle, she said.

People should wash their hands and change clothes after handling birds to prevent spreading the disease, Dooley said.

Bird owners should clean birdcages often, use a non-dusty litter like newspaper under wire mesh and change litter and food and water bowls daily, according to the Department of Health. Using a wet mop on floors and countertops near cages helps prevent circulation of dust and feathers.

A bird at a PetSmart in Everett, Wash., tested positive in November, Conrad said.

About 20 PetSmart stores in 11 Washington counties received birds from the vendor, which Conrad identified as Preferred Birds.

The bird isolation could last months, Conrad said.