A statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who has seen an increase in dead birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says bird feeders and birdbaths are helping to spread the Salmonella.
“When an infected bird flys into a feeder or a birdbath, they leave some of their droppings there, which are loaded with the salmonella and other birds that come to feed or bathe pick up that bacteria,” said LaCour.
LaCour says in order to reduce the spread of the Salmonella bacterial infection, some residents may have to take down their bird feeder or bird baths for two months to break the cycle of infection.
“If you are in an area where you see a bird or two dead in short order, take down your bird feeder and birdbaths,” said LaCour.
He says be careful as Salmonella bacteria can be contagious to humans.
“So we want people to wear rubber gloves, wash these things out with warm, soapy water,” said LaCour.
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