PASCO, Wash.-Pet sales at the Pasco Flea Market are under investigation after illnesses connected to the purchases of turtles and birds have been reported.
The Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD) and Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) are investigating infections tied to a cockatiel and small turtles purchased at the Flea Market.
According to the BFHD, the lab tests of two people who reported visiting or acquiring turtles at the Flea Market and were infected with Salmonella Poona matched a national outbreak linked to small turtles.
The turtle from the Flea Market also tested positive for the strain connected to the outbreak.
Any turtle can carry salmonella, which can cause serious illness in people, including severe or bloody diarrhea, fever, chills, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting. According to BFHD, symptoms generally appear one to three days after exposure
“Turtles can look healthy and clean, but they can still carry germs,” said JoDee Peyton, Supervisor and Environmental Public Health Expert at BFHD.
A bird purchased at the Flea Market also tested positive for avian chlamydiosis, a bacterial disease that can cause an illness known as psittacosis in humans according to the BFHD.
Avian chlamydiosiscan cause serious disease in birds and rarely causes disease in people (psittacosis), a flu like illness that can lead to pneumonia. If you recently purchased a bird at the Pasco Flea Market and it seems sick the BFHD recommends speaking to your veterinarian.
BFHD tips to prevent the spread of illness from pets to people:
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling pets.
- Use water and disinfectant on surfaces before cleaning bird cages.
- Wear gloves and a mask when cleaning bird cages or pet equipment.
- Monitor your pet bird’s health and seek veterinarian assistance if they appear sick.
- Prevent contact between birds and the young or elderly.
