diff --git a/utils/monitor_task_fetches.py b/utils/monitor_task_fetches.py
index f934c585e..aefb8439b 100755
--- a/utils/monitor_task_fetches.py
+++ b/utils/monitor_task_fetches.py
@@ -31,8 +31,9 @@ def main():
     except Exception, e:
         failed = e
     
-    if feeds_fetched < 5000000 and feeds_fetched <= (redis_task_fetches - FETCHES_DROP_AMOUNT):
-        failed = True
+    if feeds_fetched < 5000000:
+        if redis_task_fetches > 0 and feeds_fetched <= (redis_task_fetches - FETCHES_DROP_AMOUNT):
+            failed = True
 
     if failed:
         requests.post(