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A salmonella outbreak among wild birds has spread to humans in a handful of states, including Oregon.
The disease has struck at least 19 people in eight states, causing fever, stomach cramps and, in some cases, more severe symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a public notice Thursday. The disease has so far resulted in eight hospitalizations.
The salmonella epidemic began during the winter. The Oregon Department of Fisheries and Wildlife says feeder activity increases in cold weather and this piling of birds can lead to infection in feeders that are not cleaned regularly.
“When feeding the birds, be sure to start with clean feeders and periodically disinfect the feeders,” ODFW state veterinarian Dr. Colin Gillin said in a statement.
Pine siskins, nuthatches and chickadees are among the birds that commonly spread salmonella and other viruses in bird feeders and baths, according to ODFW.
Pine siskins, which are small songbirds streaked with yellow, have been linked to the outbreak in Oregon.
People can get sick from touching their mouths or eyes after handling a bird feeder or wild bird.
If you have a bird feeder, the CDC recommends that you clean and disinfect it weekly with a bleach solution of nine parts water to one part bleach. You should clean the feeder again before a week has passed if it is “noticeably dirty”. After cleaning the feeder, you should also scrub and thoroughly sanitize any sink or counter that you have used.
You must not touch the feeder or wild birds with your bare hands.
The CDC says that if you do get sick, you should see a doctor if you have a fever over 102 degrees, have had diarrhea for more than three days, or vomit regularly.
– Douglas Perry
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