You probably already knew that birds like chickens can carry Salmonella bacteria, that’s why we cook chicken and try not to eat too too much raw cookie dough (well, that and the dangers of raw flour). But the CDC now warns that there is an outbreak linked to songbirds and you need to be careful if you have a bath or a bird feeder in your garden.
The outbreak has sickened 19 out of eight people fortunately no deaths. Salmonella Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can start between six and six hours and six days after swallowing the bacteria. (This may mean eating contaminated food or touching your mouth with contaminated hands.) People under five years, over 65 years of age or older weakened immune systems they run the risk of developing more severe or even dangerous symptoms.
What you can do
The CDC recommends not touching or feeding birds with your bare hands and washing your hands after touching birds (including the dead) or handling a bird. bird feeder or bathtub.
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Pets can also be affected, so they also recommend keeping them away from bird baths and birds. feeders, including the area below. You should also wash your hands after handling food, bowls, pet toys, or after picking up poop, even if you used a bag to do so.
Bird bird feeders and restrooms should be cleaned weekly, according to the CDC. This will help animals and humans stay healthy. But don’t clean them in the kitchen sink; do the task outdoors if possible. Wash the feeder with warm soapy water and then soak it again in a bleach solution (new parts of water to a part of bleach) for 10 minutes. Let it dry before refilling and wash your hands afterwards.
If you find a dead or sick bird
If you find a sick bird, call yours local wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, ask your state wildlife agency or hunting commission if they want you to report it. (Some agencies will test dead birds if they are concerned about an outbreak in the area.) Read more about what to do here at CDC page on the outbreak.