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Experts in the business of feeding wild birds.
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Samonellosis or Salmonella Links to websites are included below In February 2005, the California Department of Fish and Game issued a request to residents of Northern California to remove bird feeders from their properties for at least a month to help slow the spread of Salmonellosis in the Pine Siskin populations in that region. Salmonellosis is not a new avian disease, but rather one that appears periodically in wild bird populations. Salmonella bacteria are normal bacterial microflora of many animals and poultry. The Salmonella consist of a range of very closely related bacteria, many of which cause disease in humans and animals. Scientists report that the strain of Salmonella which infects wild birds is unlikely to infect humans, although it could infect pets. Birds contract the disease from each other, most often by eating fecal-contaminated food. But they can also become sick by sticking their heads in tube feeders where their eyes come in contact with the feeder itself. Information
from the Cornell Laboratory of
Ornithology The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has recently received reports about a salmonellosis outbreak in Northern California that has primarily affected Pine Siskin populations. Salmonellosis is caused by a bacteria belonging to the genus Salmonella. It is a common cause of mortality in feeder birds, particularly siskins, goldfinches, and redpolls, but the symptoms are not always obvious. A sick bird may appear thin, fluffed up, and may have fecal material on its vent and swollen eyelids. Infected birds are often lethargic and easy to approach. Some infected birds may show no outward symptoms, but are carriers of the disease and can spread the infection to other birds Salmonellosis is primarily transmitted through fecal contamination of food and water. It may also be transmitted through bird-to-bird contact. Occasionally, outbreaks of the disease cause significant mortality in certain species. Disease transmission can be reduced by 1) cleaning areas that are contaminated with the bacteria, and 2) discouraging large flocks of birds from gathering in one location. With respect to bird feeding, we recommend the following if you live in an area experiencing a salmonellosis outbreak: - Clean your feeders and birdbaths with water and a 10 percent bleach solution to kill the bacteria. - Clean your bird feeding area by washing all structures holding your feeders and raking the ground surrounding the feeders. - Do not reinstall your feeders for a few weeks (or until sick birds are no longer being reported in your area). If you do continue to feed birds: - Place your feeders in new locations around your yard. - Vary your feeding locations so that birds do not concentrate in one location. - Remove feeders that allow contact between fecal material and food (such as platform feeders). - Clean your feeders with a bleach solution several times a week. Be sure that feeders are dry before filling them with seed. Websites for
more information: This link takes you to information on Salmonellosis available from Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.
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