asterroc | Psittacosis at PetSmarts and other pet stores

One national breeder of birds has apparently been selling birds with psittacosis to petstore chains. Affected stores are currently PetSmart and Petland, in the states of Minnesota, Washington, Georgia, New Jersey, and Texas. Since breeders often sell to many different places (both states and chains), if you got your bird from a any chain lately, I recommend you bring him to a vet and get him tested for psittacosis. In addition, pPsittacosis is an airborne and dander -transmitted disease, so if you bring your bird for a nail trim to these stores, s/he can catch it. If you bring anything home from them, such as food and toys, it could be transmitted to your birds. And on top of it all, there's a small chance of transmission to humans, especially those with compromised immune systems, or children or elderly.

So keep your eyes peeled, and stop visiting petstore chains for a bit.

More info:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psittacosis
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/psittacosis_t.htm

http://community.livejournal.com/parrot_lovers/3284323.html

http://www.komotv.com/news/local/12903601.html (server overloaded?)
http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7553326
http://www.twincities.com/allheadlines/ci_7781513?nclick_check=1 (login required)
http://www.omakchronicle.com/nws/n071228a.shtml