Family Sues PetSmart, Claims Father Died From Contact With Diseased Bird

[Kevin]

Family Sues PetSmart, Claims Father Died From Contact With Diseased Bird

Updated: June 17, 2008 04:51 PM
Family Sues PetSmart, Claims Father Died From Contact With Diseased Bird

CORPUS CHRISTI-The family of a Corpus Christi man says he died because of a diseased bird. Back on September 30, 2006, Joe De La Garza's daughter Amanda, bought a cockatiel from PetSmart.

She told KRIS 6 News that she later learned the bird was sick with psittacosis, also known as "parrot fever" - a disease the family alleges in their suit killed her father and left Amanda in a coma and in the hospital for weeks.

Amanda pleaded, "PetSmart, please stop selling birds that may kill your customers, please stop." She wanted everyone to know about how her father died.

A former president of the American GI Forum and Vietnam Veteran, De La Garza died suddenly in October of 2006 at the age of 63.

Joe's brother, Mike, said the grieving process has turned into, "anger and frustrations, with PetSmart," where Mike said his niece bought the bird they claim caused his brother's death.

Weeks later, the bird died, Amanda was sick, and doctors could not figure out what was wrong. It was not until Joe's body was exhumed and tested by the Centers for Disease Control that the family learned Joe died from psittacosis, a disease that can be contracted by contact with infected birds.

Joe's son told 6 News, "It's been a whirlwind experience, since I walked into the house seeing my father dead, my sister almost dead."

Amanda added, "I feel as though PetSmart didn't show responsibility, didn't make the public aware that this disease is fatal."

The De La Garza family said PetSmart needs to stop selling sick birds. Mike asserted, "They had pulled their birds in 2006, 2007, 2008, so I think they're aware of it."

"It makes me sad. Of course, I feel lonely. I feel angry. I've lost my father, my birds," said Amanda - and nearly lost her own life.

The family is also suing Rainbow Exotics, who was the pet supplier at the time Amanda bought the bird.

A spokesperson for PetSmart said the store takes precautionary measures. Birds are treated and checked for symptoms by vendors for fifteen days before they get to PetSmart stores. The company also said they think it is highly unlikely that the De La Garza family contracted parrot fever from one of their birds.

Parrot fever is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria. It can be contracted from parrots, cockatiels, pigeons and other species of birds. The disease can be spread via the droppings of an infected bird or by contact with the feathers or eggs.

In birds, it causes inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, watery droppings and shedding of feathers. In humans, it can cause symptoms such as high fever, respiratory problems, diarrhea and in severe cases, coma. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fatalities have been reported in less than one percent of cases.

[amanda143]

wow, an incredible story. I visit petsmart all the time, and their birds have a huge sign that says "this birds has been tested for..."

[phonelady61]

Originally Posted by Kevin

Family Sues PetSmart, Claims Father Died From Contact With Diseased Bird

Updated: June 17, 2008 04:51 PM
Family Sues PetSmart, Claims Father Died From Contact With Diseased Bird

CORPUS CHRISTI-The family of a Corpus Christi man says he died because of a diseased bird. Back on September 30, 2006, Joe De La Garza's daughter Amanda, bought a cockatiel from PetSmart.

She told KRIS 6 News that she later learned the bird was sick with psittacosis, also known as "parrot fever" - a disease the family alleges in their suit killed her father and left Amanda in a coma and in the hospital for weeks.

Amanda pleaded, "PetSmart, please stop selling birds that may kill your customers, please stop." She wanted everyone to know about how her father died.

A former president of the American GI Forum and Vietnam Veteran, De La Garza died suddenly in October of 2006 at the age of 63.

Joe's brother, Mike, said the grieving process has turned into, "anger and frustrations, with PetSmart," where Mike said his niece bought the bird they claim caused his brother's death.

Weeks later, the bird died, Amanda was sick, and doctors could not figure out what was wrong. It was not until Joe's body was exhumed and tested by the Centers for Disease Control that the family learned Joe died from psittacosis, a disease that can be contracted by contact with infected birds.

Joe's son told 6 News, "It's been a whirlwind experience, since I walked into the house seeing my father dead, my sister almost dead."

Amanda added, "I feel as though PetSmart didn't show responsibility, didn't make the public aware that this disease is fatal."

The De La Garza family said PetSmart needs to stop selling sick birds. Mike asserted, "They had pulled their birds in 2006, 2007, 2008, so I think they're aware of it."

"It makes me sad. Of course, I feel lonely. I feel angry. I've lost my father, my birds," said Amanda - and nearly lost her own life.

The family is also suing Rainbow Exotics, who was the pet supplier at the time Amanda bought the bird.

A spokesperson for PetSmart said the store takes precautionary measures. Birds are treated and checked for symptoms by vendors for fifteen days before they get to PetSmart stores. The company also said they think it is highly unlikely that the De La Garza family contracted parrot fever from one of their birds.

Parrot fever is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria. It can be contracted from parrots, cockatiels, pigeons and other species of birds. The disease can be spread via the droppings of an infected bird or by contact with the feathers or eggs.

In birds, it causes inflamed eyes, difficulty breathing, watery droppings and shedding of feathers. In humans, it can cause symptoms such as high fever, respiratory problems, diarrhea and in severe cases, coma. According to the Centers for Disease Control, fatalities have been reported in less than one percent of cases.

I am very sorry for your loss and everyone should be not going into petsmarts at all . I never shop there and it is not only birds they sell that are faulty their vet care lacks alot as well . I took my chi there to be neutered and he came back with two microchips they are sorry but there is nothing they can do i guess my dog and i are lucky ones that he did not die . I hate petsmart and they are sorry to say the least. They are also disgusting the way they treat their customers and the pets they have in their care . i have heard so many horror stories about petsmart . They should be run out of business . I will never ever go there again since what happened to my chi and many others have had this problem with them I am sure . I should have sued them over this but maybe i was wrong for not suing but sure would love the chance to join a class action lawsuit against them . Good luck to you and again I am sorry for your loss . blessing to you and your family and good luck in your lawsuit burn them get every penny you can from them .

[phonelady61]

Originally Posted by amanda143

wow, an incredible story. I visit petsmart all the time, and their birds have a huge sign that says "this birds has been tested for..."

dont believe that i have seen dead birds in their cages there and draw their attention to it . then i have to hear oh we have to remove a dead bird back there out loud and yet folks still continue to shop there . Disgusting ppl they need to be run out of town on a rail as the old saying goes .

[Sashagirl]

I have had and seen more problems with Petco with the way they care for their animals.I have stopped dealing with Petco as a result of it.I have visited many different Petco and it's the same they don't care.
Petsmart I dealt with on a small scale but really only deal with Bansfield which is the veterinary clinic.They take care of 5 of my 6 Chihuahuas one which is 15 years old and has Canine Cushing's Disease.The get the best care and if not for the help and the Specilists that I was referred to for my 15 year old there's no telling if she would be still here.I think in all areas the treatment is so different.

Marcia

[amanda143]

Originally Posted by phonelady61

dont believe that i have seen dead birds in their cages there and draw their attention to it . then i have to hear oh we have to remove a dead bird back there out loud and yet folks still continue to shop there . Disgusting ppl they need to be run out of town on a rail as the old saying goes .

Oh no, I know they don't care for their animals. I would never buy fish, birds, dogs/cats from them, only pet products. My fiance wanted to buy a budgie there and I absolutely refused to. Just the other day, they had about 4 sun conures and they all looked so pitiful. The locals shelters hold adoptions through petco and petsmart so I would be more apt to adopt from a shelter than from the chains. I feel really sorry for the animals there though.

[PowerBBS]

I really hate to point this out to everyone but "psittacosis" more commonly known as the Avian Flu/Influenza has been known about for YEARS! The knowledge that this infectious desease may be contracted and spread by ANY bird and that fact is well known in the Avian Community. This bird ban has been publisized thru newspapers since the late 90's.

Psittacosis: The risk is generally low to most people, because the viruses do not usually infect humans. However, confirmed cases of human infection have been reported since 1997.

Psittacosis is the reason that the Center for Desease Control CDC and the Food and Drug Adminstration FDA have placed a ban on importation of just about any bird or bird egg from another country. And for those of you who argue it.. NO... Psittacosis "Avian Influenza" is not limited to chickens, gease, or other domesticated birds. It has been discovered in ALL types of birds.

For those of you who are interested in learning about the epidemic and want to get the FACTS and avoid the myths. Feel free to check out these websites (or do some research of your own):
Avian influenza - Frequently asked questions
Disease Listing, Psittacosis, Technical Information | CDC Bacterial, Mycotic Diseases
Compendium of Measures To Control Chlamydia psittaci Infection Among Humans (Psittacosis) and Pet Birds (Avian Chlamydiosis), 1998
CDC - Influenza (Flu) |Avian Flu
CDC - Avian Influenza (Flu) |Transmission of Influenza A Viruses Between Animals and People

It's a day dream that you would expect to get any healthier bird from any location - whether it be a breader, sanctuary, rescue, mom and pop shop, or retail chain. Some stores are doing the responsible thing, some breeders, santuaries and rescues are doing the responsible thing. However there are those who aren't doing the responsible thing and not getting their birds checked out and that fault is shared by both store, breeder and consumer alike. The desease has seen reported cases in just about every state of the USA.

The problem with controlling the spread of this infectious desease lies in the migratory patterns of birds. We have no way to control their patterns or prevent the migrations. So all it takes is a bird to make it's way to a country that is making no efforts to control the spread of the deadly desease and for the bird to make it's way back to the US.

I suppose that every supermarket should post warning signs about "Mad Cow Desease" in it's meat department and that every pet shelter, store, breeder, shelter or rescue should post signs with warnings about the possibilities of "Rabies". Or maybe every farm should post warnings at it's entry points about the possibility of "Swine Flu". My point is; in the end it should be each person's sole responsibility to see that the environment they live in is indeed "safe" and that if you should choose to bring something foreign into your living environment, you should take the responsibility (and the expenses) to insure that it is also safe! (Duh... you do it with babies all the time right... you don't give them scissors and sit them down infront of an open electrical outlet do you? You take your kids to the Doctor regularly don't you? You have your baby medically examined when bord don't you? Even in adoptions? - Duh... this should be done with any living thing you take responsibility for.)

Ignorance is defined as speaking about something of which you have no knowledge of. The only defense about not sounding ignorant... it to at least try to educate yourself before you speak.

[anbrownucsd]

I almost bought a linoleated parakeet from Petco!

This beautiful little girl had been there for 8 months and she was hardly ever, maybe never, taken out of her small cage and handled.

I feel awful for the birds at Petco and how they hardly ever get sold. I know that buying birds from Petco just keeps them in business, but I would buy a bird there just because I feel sorry for it and want to give it a good home!

[slim]

at our petsmart we used to have a quaker I talk to quaker then quaker recognized me when I still there than come near cage to I leave I really want quaker at petsmart than someone buy it.

[Syaoransbear]

I'm glad our petsmart is one of the good ones, even though our store manager is an idiot. Our birds are very happy, have more toys than my own, and disease free. We don't get our birds from rainbow exotics.

Every petsmart is different, and at least that particular chain has adopted out more than 3 million homeless animals.