[ODFW-News] Bird disease observed statewide

[Odfw News]

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife    

Contact: Colin Gillin (541) 757-4186 ext. 232    

Internet: www.dfw.state.or.us  Fax: (503) 947-6009

      

For Immediate Release, Monday, May 02, 2005

 

Bird disease observed statewide

 

SALEM - State wildlife officials confirmed that the deaths of small
songbirds throughout Oregon this winter is the result of Salmonellosis,
which has been diagnosed from dead finches at bird feeders in various
locations statewide. The species that appear to be affected most
severely include American goldfinches, pine siskins, and purple and
house finches.  

 

Residents have periodically reported localized songbird die-offs to ODFW
biologists since early winter, and birds continue to succumb to the
disease as they continue to congregate at feeders. Wildlife biologists
from California to Alaska have reported similar outbreaks throughout the
winter and spring seasons. 

 

Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease and is not related to the West Nile
virus. It usually is spread by ingesting fecal-contaminated feed at
congregating points like feeders. Birds also can contract salmonella and
other infectious diseases from one another or from infected surfaces by
sticking their heads inside tube feeders where their eyes come in
contact with the feeder itself.

 

Human infection of the disease from wild birds is rare, especially if
basic precautions are taken. However, pets can become infected,
especially if they are exposed to fecal matter below the feeders.
Outdoor cats are also at risk if they catch and eat sick birds around
feeders.

 

To help control the disease, biologists urge residents to discontinue
feeding birds for at least 30 days to force birds to feed on other foods
over a wider area, away from concentration sites, and when feeding is
resumed to: 

 

* Replace all food in birdfeeders and water in birdbaths daily. Clean up
old food around feeders daily, and only use small amounts of food.

* Decontaminate feeders by using a 10 percent solution of household
bleach in water, preferably cleaned just prior to adding new food.

* Spread small amounts of seed over a large area in the sun, instead of
using bird boxes or feeders. Also, vary the location of seeds to avoid
encouraging a concentration of birds at one site.  

* Replace wooden bird feeders with plastic or metal. Wood harbors
salmonella bacteria and cannot be sanitized as effectively.

* Handle dead birds with gloves or a plastic bag and after cleaning or
filling bird feeders, wash hands with anti-bacterial soap. 

 

After sanitizing feeders, bird enthusiasts should continue to take
precautions to reduce the risk of future outbreaks of salmonellosis and
other infectious diseases carried by birds.

 

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