Seedy snacks can send birds fluttering to an untimely death

You’ve heard it before, but this time Washington wildlife officials mean it: Please don’t feed the birds.

Really.

An outbreak of disease caused by the salmonella bacteria has claimed at least dozens and probably hundreds of finches, grosbeaks and pine siskins who died after dining at backyard feeders, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officials said Thursday.

Officials are asking people who care about birds to empty their feeders for the rest of the summer – or to clean them daily with a mixture of 1 part bleach and 10 parts water.

Unclean feeders are the most likely culprit in the outbreak, which has afflicted birds statewide.

“We’re not against bird feeding. It’s a great way to enjoy wildlife,” state veterinarian Kristin Mansfield said Thursday. “Along with that comes the responsibility to maintain the bird feeder.”

Nearly 50 reports of dead birds have been received in recent weeks, and Mansfield said she suspects that hundreds more actually have died. Laboratory analysis confirmed infection with the salmonella bacteria, which is caused by contaminated feed and spread through excrement.

The bacteria can spread to – and sicken – humans, though that’s not likely with appropriate hygiene precautions, said Dr. Kim Thorburn, a Spokane health official and member of the board of the local Audubon Society chapter.