MINNEAPOLIS, December 26, 2007—The Minnesota Department of Health is warning about the dangers of contracting psittacosis from recently purchased pet birds.

The prime infection suspects are cockatiels, and other tropical birds of the parrot family.

Birds may be infected if they were purchased from Petland Shakopee since it opened on November 10, or from Minnesota PetSmart stores since October 1.

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.

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.