by Ted Stone
Staff Writer

A regional outbreak of Salmonellosis in birds has been spreading to local pets, and a local veterinarian says people with birdfeeders should stop feeding until the current migration has passed.
Wayne Hasbargen, who operates veterinary clinics in Baudette, International Falls and Warroad, said he has seen a number of cases of Salmonellosis infection in pets lately, particularly in Baudette and International Falls. Most of the sick animals have been cats that probably caught the disease after eating infected birds.
While it’s not a major issue, Hasbargen said, it would be possible for the infection to spread from pet to owner. He recommends being careful handling sick animals and while cleaning litter boxes.
According to Blaine Klemek, a writer and assistant wildlife manager with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, salmonella bacterium is commonly found in the gut of many animal species, and the infection occurs regularly in birds. This winter it has been particularly lethal in red polls. Hasbargen said at least a dozen people have reported finding five to 10 dead birds under their feeders this spring. Cats, he said, catch some of the infected birds and bring the disease home.
Klemek stressed the need to keep bird feeders clean. He said seed should be kept in mouse-proof containers to avoid fecal contamination. Like Hasbargen, Klemek recommends that people stop feeding birds when an outbreak occurs. Take the time to wash feeders and clean the area around them. All it takes is one infected bird at a feeder to spread the disease to hundreds more.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health feeders should be cleaned with hot, soapy water. Feeders should never be brought indoors for cleaning since it could spread the contamination to humans.