Bird deaths from bacteria spur advisory

Friends of wild birds, beware: Feeding your feathered friends can be hazardous to their health.

They could be hit with salmonella bacteria that are spreading through feeders and bird baths and have killed dozens of wild birds statewide in recent weeks, especially in Western Washington.

State wildlife officials are recommending that people stop feeding wild birds, at least for several weeks — but preferably until the autumn migration.

At the very least, disperse your feeders and scrub them down daily with a mixture of water and bleach (10 percent) to kill any salmonella, which thrives in bird droppings. Bird baths should be rinsed out daily with a hose.

Dr. Kristin Mansfield, a veterinarian for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, said the department has received about 50 recent reports of dead pine siskins, goldfinches and purple finches across the state. Tests at Washington State University showed they all had salmonellosis, which is often fatal in birds. The outbreak could continue through the summer, Mansfield said.

Signs of the disease include ruffled feathers, severe lethargy and diarrhea. Many birds die within three days. But others don't show symptoms and can carry the salmonella for longer periods.

Mansfield and the National Wildlife Health Center said that, along with cleaning feeders and baths, it's important to clean up waste seed and droppings below feeders.

Though it's uncommon, state officials said humans can become infected by direct contact with sick birds, their droppings or cats that catch sick birds. Officials also said those who handle birds, feeders or bird baths should wear gloves and wash their hands afterward.

Warren King: 206-464-2247 or wking@seattletimes.com