Outbreak of Salmonellosis

Bad news, WA folks. There's an outbreak of salmonellosis affecting finches and other songbirds in our state. Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends temporarily taking down feeders, or doing extra maintenance to feeders to keep them safe.

Help protect wild birds from deadly salmonellosis

"The first indication of the disease for bird watchers to look for is often a seemingly tame bird on or near a feeder. The birds become very lethargic, fluff out their feathers, and are easy to approach. This kind of behavior is generally uncommon to birds," Mansfield said. "Unfortunately, at this point there is very little people can do to treat them. The best course it to leave the birds alone."

Members of the public can help to stop the spread of salmonellosis by discontinuing backyard bird feeding until at least February, to encourage birds to disperse and forage naturally.

"Birds use natural food sources year-round, even while also using backyard bird feeders, so they should be fine without the feeders," Mansfield said.

Those who choose not to discontinue wild bird feeding are encouraged to clean feeders daily by first rinsing the feeder well with warm soapy water, then dunking in a solution of nine parts water and one part bleach. Finish by rinsing and drying before refilling. Keep the ground below the feeder clean by raking or shoveling up feces and seed casings.
(Read the full article here.)