A deadly outbreak of salmonella is reported among area songbirds
A wildlife care center asks residents to take down their feeders and birdbaths if they see dead or ailing birds near them
An outbreak of salmonella infection in songbirds has led one Bay Area wildlife rescue to sound the alarm, asking residents to immediately take down their feeders if they see dead or ailing birds in their yard or neighborhood.
WildCare’s Wildlife Hospital in San Rafael treats hundreds of songbirds every year that suffer from bacterial infections they contract at bird feeders. Since Jan. 1, they’ve taken in 42 pine siskins, all ill with salmonellosis. The majority of the birds were beyond saving.
Because the birds travel freely throughout the Bay Area, the disease can spread to areas that are not yet infected.
Alison Hermance, WildCare Director of Communications, says because of the deadly nature of the bacterial infection and the speed and ease with which it spreads at feeders and baths, people need to act immediately if they see signs of trouble.
Songbirds sick with salmonellosis may be fluffed and lethargic, Hermance says, and they may sit with their eyes closed. Sick birds often will be the last to fly off if the flock is startled.
Even if people don’t see sick or dead birds, Hermance says, the rescue center is asking that people clean and sanitize — with bleach — their bird feeders every other day or, at the very least, weekly.
As with humans and COVID-19, songbirds spread salmonellosis to other birds easily. The Salmonella bacteria primarily transfer through contact with fecal matter.
Large groups of birds at feeders and baths provide the perfect opportunity for spreading salmonellosis. Taking down the feeders encourages the birds to forage in a wider area and to be socially distant, making it less likely the disease will spread.
Seed-eating songbirds that are common visitors to backyard feeders including pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches, which also are especially susceptible to salmonellosis.
WildCare offers these tips and guidelines:
Do not rehang feeders or birdbaths for at least three weeks after the last sick or dead bird is seen in the vicinity. Then sterilize the feeders or birdbaths again and allow to dry, before filling and rehanging.
Sick or dead birds in your yard
Immediately remove bird feeders and birdbaths.
Disinfect feeders and baths with a bleach solution made of 9 parts water to 1 part bleach. Scrub well and allow to soak for 10 to 20 minutes. Rinse well and allow to dry.
Do not rehang feeders or birdbaths for at least three weeks after the last sick or dead bird is seen in the vicinity. Then sterilize the feeders or birdbaths again and allow to dry, before filling and rehanging.
If you have not yet seen sick or dead birds
Disinfect bird feeders every other day, or at least once a week during this disease outbreak.
Birdbaths should be emptied and cleaned daily, regardless of disease outbreaks.
Do not use wooden feeders.
Always wear gloves — latex or dishwashing — to keep bleach off your skin and a face mask to keep from accidentally ingesting feces or bleach fumes.
Always keep a large tray under the feeder to collect hulls and seed that fall, then empty discards every evening. This will prevent mold and disease for ground-feeding birds and also will prevent rodent infestations.