Photo: Steve Byland (Shutterstock)
You probably already knew that birds, like chickens, can carry salmonella bacteria. So we cook chicken and try not to overeat raw cookie dough (well, that and the dangers of raw meal). But The CDC is now warning that there is an outbreak related to songbirds and you should be careful if you have a bird bath or bird feeder in your yard.
The outbreak left 19 people sick in eight states, thankfully with no deaths. Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps and can begin between six hours and six days after the bacteria are ingested. (This could mean eating contaminated food or touching your mouth with contaminated hands.) Anyone younger than five, or over 65 years old weakened immune system are at risk of developing more severe or even life-threatening symptoms.
What you can do
The CDC recommends avoiding bare-handed touching or hand-feeding of birds and hands washing after touching birds (including dead ones) or handling a bird feeder or bird bath.
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Pets can also be affected. Hence, they recommend keeping pets away from bird baths and birdhouses, including the area below. You should also wash your hands after handling pet food, bowls, toys, or after picking up their poop, even if you used a bag to do so.
Birdhouses and bird baths should be cleaned weekly, says the CDC. This will help animals and people stay healthy. But don’t clean them in your kitchen sink. If possible, do the work outdoors. Wash the feeder with warm, soapy water, then soak it in a nine-to-one bleach solution (nine parts water to one part bleach) for 10 minutes. Let it dry before refilling, then wash your own hands afterwards.
When you find a dead or sick bird
If you find a sick bird, give yours a call local wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, ask your state wildlife agency or wildlife commission if you should report it. (Some authorities will test dead birds if they are concerned about an outbreak in the area.) Read more about what to do here on the website CDC page on the outbreak.