We know it’s important to clean out the
refrigerator once in a while, but don’t forget the bird feeder too.
State wildlife officials have confirmed reports
of the death or sickness of small numbers of three bird species linked to
salmonella poisonings in southern Wisconsin.
That’s prompted the Department of Natural
Resources to ask the public to clean backyard bird feeders and keep an eye out
for dead birds, since salmonella not only kills birds, but affects humans as
well.
The warmer temperatures are producing ideal
conditions for bacteria in bird feeders, the DNR says. Salmonella from the
feces of birds is known to lurk in dirty bird feeders.
The DNR said that the deaths of a small number
of pine siskins in Dane County have been tied to
salmonella. Sick goldfinches and sparrows have been reported in Dodge and
Crawford counties, as well.
The birds might be more vulnerable due to stress
from their migration.
The National Wildlife Health Center said that
salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of birds and are passed through
feces. The salmonella strain found in birds can also be passed to humans.
Here’s some recommendations from the DNR:
- Clean bird feeders and bird baths regularly
with a 10% bleach solution.
- Throw away empty seed hulls near feeders.
- Consider moving feeders occasionally to avoid a buildup of waste in one area.
- Replace water in a bird bath every two or three days
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning a birdbath and bird feeder.
- Throw away empty seed hulls near feeders.
- Consider moving feeders occasionally to avoid a buildup of waste in one area.
- Replace water in a bird bath every two or three days
- Wear disposable gloves when cleaning a birdbath and bird feeder.
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