The Minnesota Department of Health is reporting that the birds may be infected with the bacterium that causes this illness if they were purchased from Petland Shakopee since it opened on November 10, or from Minnesota PetSmart stores since October 1. Petland Shakopee is located at 8091 Old Carriage Court North. PetSmart stores are located throughout Minnesota.

MDH officials are investigating illnesses in pet store workers to see if they have psittacosis. To date, no illnesses have been found in people who have purchased the birds.

Birds of the parrot family (parakeets, parrots, love birds, cockatiels) commonly carry the bacterium that causes psittacosis. The birds may not have any symptoms or they may be droopy and have diarrhea and a nasal discharge. Petland and PetSmart appear to be the only stores in Minnesota that received their birds from a particular Florida grower/distributor.

In humans, psittacosis infection is acquired by inhaling dried excretions from infected birds. If someone becomes infected, symptoms usually appear within 5 to 19 days following exposure and include fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, chest tightness and a dry cough. Pneumonia is often evident on chest x-ray. People exposed to birds from one of the affected retailers should seek medical attention if they experience these symptoms. Psittacosis can be treated with antibiotics.

MDH officials are asking anyone who has purchased birds of this type from one of the affected stores and has had the symptoms described above to call 651-201-5414 during normal business hours.

Owners of potentially infected birds do not need to destroy them or return them to the store. They can be tested for psittacosis by a veterinarian and given antibiotics if infected. -Minnesota Department of Health