The BC SPCA is asking the public to temporarily remove backyard bird feeders in order to stop the spread of a deadly salmonella outbreak that has spread throughout the province.
The outbreak is affecting pine siskin birds specifically.
“2021 has gotten off to a rough start for pine siskins on southern Vancouver Island and the rest of the province with a deadly outbreak of salmonella,” says Andrea Wallace, manager of wild animal welfare.
So far in January, the BC SPCA’s Wild Animal Rehabilitation Centre (ARC) has admitted 43 pine siskin birds with many of them showing signs of disease.
Only a few have survived.
“Salmonella is a severe and contagious disease so we’re asking people to temporarily remove, or at the very least clean, their bird feeders and bird baths to prevent further spread of the disease,” says Wallace.
If you see sick birds at your feeder or in the area, immediately remove or clean your bird feeders to help curb the disease.
Sick birds may appear lethargic, unusually “fluffed up”, and show signs of irritation around the eyes. Contact the BC SPCA at 1-855-622-7722 for advice or for help finding your local wildlife rehabilitation centre.
