In a press release, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources warns that there has been a salmonella outbreak that has caused the death of numerous songbirds. Salmonellosis is a bacterial disease that is transmitted through direct contact and is commonly spread when birds ingest feed contaminated with infected feces. DWR requests that if sick or dead birds are in the neighborhood the following actions be taken: temporarily take down and remove all bird feeders, water containers and bird baths for at least a month to disperse the birds. Use gloves when touching the feeder, clean it thoroughly with soap and water, and disinfect it with 10% bleach solution. Soak it for at least 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly and let it dry completely. If you have more than five sick or dead birds in your yard, please contact the nearest DWR office. The DWR may submit some of the birds for disease testing if the deaths are occurring in a new area. If the birds are not being submitted for testing, please use gloves to dispose of any dead birds into a closed plastic bag and place it in a trash can.
