'Parrot Fever' Shutters Snohomish County Pet Store

BOTHELL, WA - It's not technically bird flu, but a Bothell pet store closed recently due to an outbreak of "parrot fever." Wings of the World, 23920 Bothell Everett Highway, closed after a bird that was boarded there died of the illness, according to the Associated Press.

Parrot fever can spread to human, causing flu-like symptoms. An estimated 200 birds at the store were exposed to the disease since July 2, according to the AP.

The disease is also known as psittacosis and most commonly affects veterinarians, zoo keepers, and pet store workers. The disease is spread through inhaling dried parrot droppings. Psittacosis is serious and can be deadly to humans, especially older adults.

In birds, symptoms include eye and nose discharge, and droppings colored green or yellow.

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