The Department warned that if these infected birds came in contact with humans, they were also likely to be affected by the human form of the disease called psittacosis or parrot fever.

These birds are reported to have been sold from a pet store in Washington and delivered in different counties like Skagit, Snohomish, Spokane, Thurston, Whatcom, Yakima, Benton, Clark, King, Kitsap and Pierce. 

Although no cases of human psittacosis or ornithosis have been reported from anywhere in the country so far, the wholesale store selling the birds have of its own accord removed all the birds and the sick as well as the exposed birds are being treated with antibiotics.

State health department officials said that even the employees of the store have been informed about the health hazard. While they have been directed to clear out all bird cages and be careful while handling birds, the health department will soon issue letters to all consumers who have purchased birds from the affected stores detailing the threats of avian chlamydiosis or psittacosis.

Incidentally avian chlamydiosis is brought about by a bacterium called chlamydophila psittaci that is usually found in birds, but does not always lead to the disease.

When affected by the disease, birds suffer from lack of appetite, lethargy, nasal discharge, coughing and diarrhea. Birds that are more susceptible to the disease include those in the psittacine species – cockatiels, parrots, parakeets and cockatoos. In the initial stages chlamydiosis  is mild and can be treated by administering antibiotics in the birds.   

The disease can be transmitted to humans if they pick up the bacterium by inhaling dust from dried bird droppings, dust from the feathers of the affected birds and their respiratory secretions. In humans the symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, chills, coughing and muscle aches and can be treated by using antibiotics.