You probably already know that they can carry birds like chickens Salmonella bacteria, which is why we cook chicken and try not to eat also a lot of raw cake dough (well, and the dangers of raw flour). But The CDC warns now that there is an outbreak related to songbirds and you should be careful if you have a bath or a bird feeder in your yard.
The outbreak sickened 19 people out of eight states, fortunately without deaths. Salmonella Symptoms include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps and can start anywhere between six hours and six days after ingestion of bacteria. (This could mean eating contaminated food or touching your mouth with contaminated hands.) People under the age of five years, over 65 years or have weakened immune system are at risk of developing more severe or even life-threatening symptoms.
What can you do
The CDC recommends that you do not touch or feed birds with your bare hands and wash your hands after touching the birds (including dead ones) or handling a bird. bird feeder or bath.
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Pets can also be affected, so it is also recommended to keep pets away from bird baths and birds feeders, including the area below them. You should also wash your hands after eating pet food, bowls, toys or after pooping, even if you used a bag to do so.
Bird feeders and bird baths should be cleaned weekly, the CDC says. This will help animals and humans stay healthy. But don’t clean them in the kitchen sink; do the chore outdoors, if possible. Wash the feeder with warm soapy water and then soak it in a new one-on-one bleach solution (new divide water into one bleaching part) for 10 minutes. Allow it to dry before refilling it and wash your hands afterwards.
If you find a dead or sick bird
If you find a sick bird, call her local wildlife rehabilitator. If you find a dead bird, ask your state wildlife agency or game commission if they want you to report it. (Some agencies will test dead birds if they are worried about an outbreak in the area.) Read more about what to do here on CDC outbreak page.