You probably already know that birds can carry like chickens Salmonella bacteria, that’s why we cook chicken and try not to eat also very raw cookie dough (well, that and the dangers of raw flour). But the CDC warns now that there is an outbreak linked to songbirds, and you should be careful if you have a birdbath or a bird feeder in your garden.
The outbreak killed 19 people in eight states, with fortunately no deaths. Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps, and can start between six hours hours and hours days after swallowing the bacterium. (This could mean eating contaminated food or touching your mouth with infected hands.) People under five years old, over 65, or has weakened immune systems is at risk of developing worse or even life-threatening symptoms.
What you can do
The CDC recommends not touching or feeding birds with your bare hands, and washing your hands after touching or handling a bird (including the dead) feeder or birdbath.
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Pets can also be affected, so they also recommend keeping pets away from birds and birds feeders, including the area below them. You should also wash your hands after picking up pet food, bowls, toys or shit, even if you used a bag to do so.
Bird feeders and birdbaths need to be cleaned weekly, the CDC says. This will help animals and humans stay healthy. But do not clean it in your kitchen; do the tasks outdoors if possible. Wash the feeding trough with warm soapy water and then soak it in a nine-to-one bleach solution (nine divide water into a part bleach) for 10 minutes. Let it dry before refilling it, and then wash your own hands.
If you get a dead or sick bird
If you get a sick bird, call local wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, ask the natural agency or wildlife commission if you would like it to be reported. (Some agencies will test dead birds if they are concerned about an outbreak in the area.) Read more about what to do here on the CDC’s outbreak page.