The Washington State Department of Health has issued a warning on Friday saying that some recently purchased cockatiels or other pet birds may pose a health risk to people who are exposed to them.

Health officials said in a release that some of the birds shipped by a national distributor tested positive for avian Chlamydiosis, a bird disease that can cause psittacosis when contracted by humans.

Health officials said the pet birds were sold by the PetSmart stores in 11 counties in Washington, which had received them from the Florida Vendor since October. The PetSmart stores are located in Bellingham, Burlington, Everett, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kennewick, Lacey, Lakewood, Lynnwood, Puyallup, Seattle, Silverdale, Spokane, Tacoma, Tukwila, Union Gap, Vancouver, and Woodinville.

The disease is not threatening but can cause serious problems if not recognized or treated in proper time, the news release said.
No reports of humans contracting the disease have been signaled so far and the heath agency underlines that the disease is not the same as avian influenza of “bird flu” which has ravaged the planet in recent years.

Once humans contract the disease, they can experience fever, chills, headaches and a cough between five and nineteen days after exposure, said the release. Humans can contract the disease when they inhale dust from dried bird droppings or respiratory secretion. Usually, cleaning bird cages can help prevent the spread of the disease.

Health officials also advise people who develop the symptoms of this disease or have been near pet birds to seek for medical attention.