jbarnes@cci.bbn.com (James Barnes) (05/03/88)
An article in Sunday's (May 1) Boston Globe described a potential problem with salmonella poisoning many wild birds in the New England and upstate New York areas. The article quoted a researcher who basically stated that many birds were being affected, including pine siskins, goldfinches, other song birds, cowbirds and grackles (sp?). According to the article, salmonella is always present at low levels in the wild bird population. The problem is becoming an epidemic because the sick birds are dropping feces (as birds do) on or near backyard bird feeders thus infecting whole bird populations. Veteranarians are beginning to see sick cats as well, since the cats are catching and eating the sick birds. The article also quotes the researcher as asking everyone to stop feeding the birds for the remainder of the spring and summer, or to at least stop putting out food for a minimum of ten days, sterilize the bird feeders and clean up the areas around and under their feeders. Has anyone out there seen anything more about this?