Bird Feeding Precautions Urged In Wash.

OLYMPIA, Wash. -- After reports of sick or dead birds at back-yard feeders in Washington, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife has recommended that people temporarily discontinue bird feeding or take extra steps to keep their feeders clean.

Veterinarian Dr. Kristin Mansfield advised for people to stop back-yard bird feeding for at least a few weeks, if not for the remainder of the summer, to encourage birds to disperse and forage naturally.

She said laboratory analysis of bird carcasses has confirmed salmonellosis, a common and usually fatal bird disease caused by the salmonella bacteria.

Mansfield said salmonellosis is probably the most common avian disease at feeders in the state, with the disease afflicting species such as finches, grosbeaks and pine siskins that flock together in large numbers at feeders.



She said the birds transmit the disease through droppings.

About four dozen reports of dead birds have been received during the past several weeks involving pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches in both eastern and western Washington.

Carcasses of purple finches and pine siskins were sent to a Washington State University laboratory for testing that confirmed the disease.

Mansfield said people who handle birds, bird feeders or bird baths should wear gloves and wash their hands thoroughly afterward.

To report a dead bird contact the Department of Fish and Wildlife at 1-800-606-8768, and to report a sick bird contact PAWS at 787-2500 ext. 817.

Reference:kirotv