Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July 24, 2002
For more information:  Division of Wildlife, 773-3485

SUMMER BIRD FEEDING PRECAUTIONS

PIERRE -- When folks think of feeding wild birds, many consider it a winter activity to help offset nature’s sometimes harsh conditions. However, people who choose to feed birds year-round should be aware of some special conditions caused by summer’s heat and humidity, according to Game, Fish and Parks officials.

"For the past several summers, people have reported sick or dead birds around bird-feeding areas in the Black Hills," said Nongame Biologist Eileen Dowd Stukel. "Tests conducted at South Dakota State University confirmed the presence of salmonellosis, a disease caused by a bacterium called Salmonella. Infected birds show various symptoms-birds may appear thin, puffed-up, lethargic and may have swollen eyelids. Other birds show no symptoms, but act as disease carriers."

Birds may contract salmonellosis through fecal contamination of food or water, by eating contaminated food or through direct contact with an infected bird.

"As with all wild bird feeding, it is critical to provide fresh, clean food and water and healthy feeding areas," Stukel noted. "Clean feeders every week by washing in soapy water and rinsing in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling."

She added that people should clean up seed from below their feeders to avoid buildup of old seed and accumulation of feces, as well as check feeders and seed regularly to avoid providing moldy food or feeders.

"If you see sick birds in your feeding area, remove feeders and clean them as described, but don’t replace them for at least two weeks to allow the disease cycle to conclude," Stukel said. "Move ground-feeding areas periodically, since Salmonella can contaminate the soil. Wear rubber gloves when handling sick or dead birds."

For more information on feeding and observing wild birds, visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s web-site: http://birds.cornell.edu/.

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