The latest news release directed at the bird watching community in our state involves an apparent die-off among small song birds in western panhandle of Virginia and the adjacent regions of West Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Although Kentucky also borders Virginia in this same geographical area there is no mention of excess song bird fatalities in the bluegrass state.

Examinations of dead birds in other states have revealed the deaths are due to the salmonella bacteria which frequently makes headlines for causing outbreaks of food poisoning among humans. There has not been any autopsies performed on dead birds found in Virginia but the assumption is that the same bacteria has caused the deaths here too. The affected area of Virginia is described as Rockbridge County and south. If you follow the map due south from Rockbridge County this description comes surprisingly close to Buckingham and Nelson counties. It definitely includes Appomattox, Amherst and Campbell counties.

The outbreak seems to be mostly affecting goldfinches and pine siskins but it has the potential of spreading to any other breed. The salmonella bacteria lives in the digestive system of most all birds and is passed on in the feces. It is a common cause of death among birds that frequent birdfeeders where contamination has occurred. The bacteria is also common in the intestines of rodents such mice and squirrels which also have a propensity for feeding at birdfeeders. In addition, the bacteria can be passed from bird to bird by direct contact.

The news release states that some brands of suet has been recalled recently due to salmonella contamination in peanuts. Further research into this subject only revealed a 2009 recall of Scotts Multi Bird Suet w/Fruit and Nuts lot code 05-13-08 which was manufactured between May 2008 and February 2009. It’s doubtful that any more of this particular batch of suet is still on the shelf but if you do happen to discover you are using it or you have it in your store please discard it.

It’s more likely that the salmonella outbreak is due to dirty feeders combined with the unusually warm weather we’ve experienced this summer. It’s recommended that bird watchers clean their bird feeders regularly with a 10 percent bleach and water solution. If you should find a dead bird on or near your birdfeeder wear gloves or use a rag or newspaper to handle it and dispose of it in the garbage or by burying it. Do not just throw it into the woods or the neighbors hedges. It is also recommended to avoid allowing pet cats to consume dead birds they find or kill. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries offers a comprehensive pamphlet called “Coping With Diseases at Birdfeeders” which is published by Colorado State University. You may down load the six-page booklet at http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/wildlifewatching/coping_with_birdfeeder_diseases_pamplet.pdf.