You probably already knew that birds like chickens can carry Salmonella bacteria, that’s why we cook chicken and try not to eat also lots of raw cookie dough (well, that and the dangers of raw flour). But the CDC is now warning that there is an outbreak linked to songbirds, and you should be careful if you have a bird or bird waterer feeder in your yard.
The outbreak made 19 people sick in eight states, fortunately no deaths. Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can start anywhere between six six hours days after ingesting the bacteria. (This may mean eating contaminated food or touching the mouth with the contaminated hands.) People under the age of five years of age, over 65 or have weakened immune system are at risk of developing more serious or even fatal symptoms.
What can you do
The CDC recommends not touching or feeding birds with your bare hands and washing your hands after touching birds (including dead ones) or handling a bird feeder or drinking fountain.
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Pets can also be affected, so they also recommend keeping animals away from drinking fountains and birds feeders, including the area below them. You should also wash your hands after handling food, bowls, pet toys or after picking up your stools, even if you have used a bag to do so.
Bird feeders and drinking fountains should be cleaned weekly, says the CDC. This will help animals and humans to stay healthy. But don’t clean them at the kitchen sink; do the task outdoors if possible. Wash the feeder with warm, soapy water, then immerse it in a nine-to-one tank. bleach solution (nine parts of water for a bleaching part) for 10 minutes. Let it dry before reloading it and wash your hands afterwards.
If you find a dead or sick bird
If you find a sick bird, call your local wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, ask the state wildlife agency or gambling commission if they want you to report it. (Some agencies will test for dead birds if they are concerned about an outbreak in the area). Read more about what to do here at CDC outbreak page.