Officials in Washington State have warned that some cockatiels, as well as other pet birds that were shipped by a national distributor, may pose a risk to humans who are in contact with them. Approximately 20 PetSmart stores in 11 Washington counties have had birds delivered to them from this distributor. Some of these birds had tested positive for avian chlamydiosis – infected humans can develop psittacosis (the human form of the disease).
PetSmart has voluntarily removed all the birds it had received from the distributor. The company says it is treating exposed birds with antibiotics. Everybody who works in the pet stores has been notified and has been trained on proper procedures for cleanup and handling the birds. All customers who purchased birds from these outlets since October 2007 have been sent letters about avian chlamydiosis and psittacosis.
About Avian Chlamydiosis
It is a disease which affects birds, caused by Chlamydophila psittaci, a bacterium. Not all birds that become infected show symptoms of illness.
Symptoms in birds
— the bird is lethargic
— it does not eat
— it loses weight
— there is a thick discharge from eyes and nose
— diarrhea
Birds most susceptible to infection are cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots and parakeets – those of the psittacine species.
A veterinarian can test and treat pet birds with antibiotics.
How humans get it
The bacterium gets into humans via dust from dried bird droppings – human breaths it in. An infected person will develop psittacosis. Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, cough, and muscle aches. There is an incubation period of 5-19 days (humans show symptoms 5-19 days after exposure).
Psittacosis is usually mild. However, if it is not recognized and treated there is a small chance it can become serious. The infection is usually treated with antibiotics. If you develop any of the symptoms and have been near pet birds you should get in touch with your doctor.
Prevention
— Clean your birdcage regularly to prevent waste build-up.
— Use a non-dusty litter, such as newspaper and place it under the wire mesh – change it daily.
— Empty and rinse food and water bowls daily.
— Bars and perches should be washed with disinfectant and thoroughly rinsed. Wash them regularly.
— Make sure that floors/countertops near cages are thoroughly and regularly mopped to prevent dust and feathers from circulating.
Avian Chlamydiosis and Psittacosis (PDF) – Dept of Health
Psittacosis (PDF) – National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians
Written by – Christian Nordqvist