Help protect wild birds from deadly salmonellosis

Pine Siskin showing salmonellosis symptoms (Bruce McCammon)

Note: this blog was recently edited to clarify the distinction between salmonellosis and avian conjunctivitis.

Please take note if you are feeding birds. You may have seen recent reports about birds who appear lethargic or appear to be “puffed up”. Maybe you have found a dead bird or two in your yard. The spread of salmonellosis is a real thing and finches and siskins are getting sick and dying. It is time to be extremely vigilant about our bird feeders. If you can, take your feeders down for a period and, while they are down, give them a good, thorough cleaning and disinfecting. At a minimum, clean and disinfect your feeders frequently if you want to continue feeding.

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife posted some background information and advice for feeders on their website.

Efforts to clean and disinfect feeders will also help to minimize the threat and spread of avian conjunctivitis. The Vashon Audubon Society recently posted a nice article about preventing finch disease. You can read it here.

We can all help minimize the damage from this disease. Please do what you can to help.