Thursday, March 28, 2024

BC SPCA asks public to remove bird feeders after salmonella outbreak on Vancouver Island

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Do you have a bird feeder at your home?

If so, the BC SPCA is asking people to take down their backyard bird feeders to stop the spread of a deadly salmonella outbreak.

The outbreak is affecting pine siskin birds specifically, small songbirds with sharp bills and short, notched tails. It’s thought that due to their nature of feeding close together, the disease seems to be passing through them easily.

“2021 has gotten off to a rough start for pine siskins on southern Vancouver Island and the rest of the province,” said Andrea Wallace, manager of Wild Animal Welfare.

“Salmonella is a severe and contagious disease so we’re asking people to temporarily remove, or at the very least clean, their bird feeders and bird baths to prevent further spread of the disease,” says Wallace.

The Association says since the new year, 43 pine siskins suspected of salmonella poisoning have been brought in, with many of them showing signs of disease but few surviving.

Except for liquid feeders, the BC SPCA recommends only providing bird feeders in winter between October and March as there is natural food for birds in the spring and summer months.

In the spring and summer months, there is lots of natural food for birds.

If someone suspects their are sick birds visiting their feeder, it is recommended to remove or clean your bird feeders immediately to help curb the disease.

Sick birds may appear lethargic, unusually “fluffed up”, and show signs of irritation around the eyes.

The BC SPCA provided the following tip to prevent disease outbreaks:

  • Discard any remaining seed before cleaning
  • Wash feeder with soap and water – use a bottle brush for small spaces
  • Wash feeder again with a 10% bleach solution
  • Rinse and air-dry completely
  • Fill with fresh seed
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Victoria Buzz Staffhttps://www.victoriabuzz.com
Your inside source for Greater Victoria happenings. Established in 2012.

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