The Department of Health said in a news release that birds afflicted with avian chlamydiosis, a bacterial infection, had been found at a distribution company that sold various species of birds to PetSmart stores in 11 counties.

The agency said there were no reports of any people becoming ill with the human form of the disease, known as psittacosis, but customers and employees of the stores would be getting a warning letter by mail.

Psittacosis is not considered a serious health threat to people, although it must be treated to prevent the symptoms from becoming progressively worse.