Disease Outbreak Shuts Down Pet Stores
Birds Hit By 'Parrot Fever'
SAN RAFAEL, Calif. -- An outbreak of a disease that can spread from parrots to humans has resulted in quarantines at two Northern California pet stores.
The Marin Humane Society reported Friday that 71 birds at San Rafael's Petco store have been placed under a 45-day quarantine following exposure to a potentially fatal disease commonly known as "parrot fever."
Also, about 20 birds at the Davis Petco have been quarantined as a precaution, after one bird and its owner became ill. Both have recovered.
Humane society spokesman John Reese said that the birds have been exposed to psittacosis, a disease that can easily be spread from bird to bird.
Birds most commonly affected by "parrot fever" are parrots, parakeets, lovebirds and cockatiels. However, any bird can become infected, he said.
"The disease can be effectively treated, and we are contacting people who purchased birds during the past two months to inform them of the situation," Animal Services director Cindy Machado said.
Symptoms of psittacosis, which vary from bird to bird, include nasal discharge, red eyes, depression and loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, diarrhea and sudden death.
Reese said that the disease can be passed to humans, but the risk is low. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills and respiratory diseases.
The Marin Humane Society reported Friday that 71 birds at San Rafael's Petco store have been placed under a 45-day quarantine following exposure to a potentially fatal disease commonly known as "parrot fever."
Also, about 20 birds at the Davis Petco have been quarantined as a precaution, after one bird and its owner became ill. Both have recovered.
Humane society spokesman John Reese said that the birds have been exposed to psittacosis, a disease that can easily be spread from bird to bird.
Birds most commonly affected by "parrot fever" are parrots, parakeets, lovebirds and cockatiels. However, any bird can become infected, he said.
"The disease can be effectively treated, and we are contacting people who purchased birds during the past two months to inform them of the situation," Animal Services director Cindy Machado said.
Symptoms of psittacosis, which vary from bird to bird, include nasal discharge, red eyes, depression and loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, diarrhea and sudden death.
Reese said that the disease can be passed to humans, but the risk is low. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk. Symptoms include fever, headache, chills and respiratory diseases.
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