Salmonella Outbreak Killing Songbirds

Songbirds, especially pine siskins, American goldfinches and purple finches, are dying across Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina in a salmonella outbreak, according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. While birds normally carry some salmonella in their digestive tracts, outbreaks may occur when food sources are scarce and bird populations are high, and these outbreaks are not unusual.

Initial concerns about this outbreak suspected a connection to a recent peanut recall, but this strain of salmonella is different than that affecting humans and no tainted products appear to be involved in the birds’ illness.

When birders find sick or dead birds at their backyard feeders, there are many things they can do to help prevent the spread of bird diseases. Thoroughly cleaning feeders is the best and most essential step.

What do you do to keep your backyard birds healthy? Share your tips in the comments!

Salmonella Bacteria
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