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Salmonella may be to blame for bird deaths (April 16, 2009)
Minnesota residents have found an increasing number of dead birds at
feeders over the last couple of weeks. According to the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a strain of salmonella may be to
blame.
The bacteria that causes heavy mortality in birds is transmitted
through the bird’s droppings. The largest mortality seems to be in
red polls and pine siskins. Two red polls that died recently in northern
Minnesota were sent to the DNR pathology lab and tested positive for
salmonella.
As birds gather at feeders, they pick up the bacteria, which then
spreads to other birds.
Residents and others who feed birds can help stop the spread of the
bacteria by thoroughly cleaning feeders with a bleach solution.
The solution should be made of one part bleach to 10 parts water. In
addition, rake up old seeds from the ground and spread lime on the
ground underneath the feeders. This can help kill the bacteria and stop
the spread to other birds. Lime is available at any farm store and
should be spread about ¼ inch deep to cover the dirt, which may harm
grass but will kill the bacteria. It is also advisable to move the
feeder to a different part of the yard if sick or dying birds are
present.
Dead birds should be picked up with gloved hands and disposed of
immediately.
feeders over the last couple of weeks. According to the Minnesota
Department of Natural Resources (DNR), a strain of salmonella may be to
blame.
The bacteria that causes heavy mortality in birds is transmitted
through the bird’s droppings. The largest mortality seems to be in
red polls and pine siskins. Two red polls that died recently in northern
Minnesota were sent to the DNR pathology lab and tested positive for
salmonella.
As birds gather at feeders, they pick up the bacteria, which then
spreads to other birds.
Residents and others who feed birds can help stop the spread of the
bacteria by thoroughly cleaning feeders with a bleach solution.
The solution should be made of one part bleach to 10 parts water. In
addition, rake up old seeds from the ground and spread lime on the
ground underneath the feeders. This can help kill the bacteria and stop
the spread to other birds. Lime is available at any farm store and
should be spread about ¼ inch deep to cover the dirt, which may harm
grass but will kill the bacteria. It is also advisable to move the
feeder to a different part of the yard if sick or dying birds are
present.
Dead birds should be picked up with gloved hands and disposed of
immediately.
Posted By:
TON Staff 2
Posted On: 04/19/2009 10:23 AM
Posted On: 04/19/2009 10:23 AM
21 Views, 0 Comments
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- Salmonella may be to blame for bird deaths (April 16, 2009)
