Wild songbirds connected to multi-state salmonella outbreak

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is looking at a multi-state salmonella outbreak and believes wild songbirds are to blame.

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Even healthy birds can carry salmonella, the CDC said, but there is a species of wild songbirds called pine siskins, which are part of the finch family, that are turning up sick with the same strain of salmonella that is making people sick.

Officials said the germs can spread between birds, pets and eventually people.

The infection happens when people touch their mouths before washing their hands after they’ve touched birds, bird feeders or birdbaths or when pets have come in contact with the infected birds.

There have been 19 cases reported so far with eight hospitalizations across eight states including California, Kentucky, Mississippi, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

The CDC offers these suggestions if you have a bird feeder or birdbath:

• Disinfect them weekly or when they’re visibly dirty.
• Clean them outdoors if possible.
• If you have to clean them indoors, use a laundry sink or bathtub, then disinfect the tub or sink immediately after.
• Clean the feeders or bath with warm soapy water, then rinse with clean water to remove soap. Follow up with a bleach-water solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach) for 10 minutes or more. Rinse again with water to remove the bleach solution. Let it fully dry before filling. Finally, wash your hands with soap and water.
• Keep your pets away from feeders and baths, and the areas underneath them.
• If you find a sick or dead bird, take down your birdbath and bird feeders for two weeks and then clean them outside.

If you find a sick bird, call your state wildlife agency or rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, call the state’s wildlife agency to find out what to do with it.

Cox Media Group