SALMONELLOSIS (sickness from Salmonella bacteria)
Watch for:
- Birds that let you approach very close.
- Birds sleeping on the feeder.
- Birds that look extra puffy or fat.
Facts:
- Pine Siskins are most susceptible, and it spreads quickly between flocks.
- Some bird species are more susceptible than others.
- Can be passed to humans, dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Usually fatal. Not able to be cured by wildlife rehab centers.
- Highly contagious. Spreads in bird feces.
Preventative action:
- Clean and bleach feeders & bird baths.
- Rake area under feeders.
- Remove feeders for 2 weeks to allow flocks to disperse.
- Bacteria can remain on surfaces for up to 2 months.
Further reading:
http://wildbirdsunlimited.typepad.com/the_zen_birdfeeder/2013/02/if-youre-seeing-sick-or-dying-pine-siskins.html
https://calwil.wordpress.com/2016/01/30/disease-outbreak-in-pine-siskins/
California reporting:
https://www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Investigations/Monitoring/Mortality-Report
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| A healthy Pine Siskin. This species is most likely to get sick from Salmonellosis. |
