Are you finding dead wild birds?

IF YOU find dead wild birds around your coop, especially sparrows and blackbirds, it’s an important clue that there’s a possible outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium (which can also affect humans, livestock, and pets). You may also have poultry that die suddenly.

A laboratory would need to diagnose it from swabs to confirm it.

If you find a dead wild bird, always wear disposable gloves or other protection when disposing of them – put their body in the rubbish or somewhere inaccessible to cats, dogs, and stock.

Always wash your hands after handling wild birds (dead or alive).

READ MORE: other reasons for sudden deaths, see page 60.