May 12, 1998
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Between April 20 and April 30, nine songbirds (Common Redpolls) in the Wabush area were diagnosed with Salmonella typhimurium infection. The public is being advised as this Salmonella can cause human illness.

This outbreak in songbirds has now been reported in all eastern Canadian provinces and at least 15 US states with the first cases starting in January 1998. These are the first reported cases in this province. The birds most often identified with this disease are the Common Redpoll, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Evening Grosbeak, and various species of Sparrow. There have been cases of human and cat illnesses associated with the handling or preying on of sick birds in New York state. A similar outbreak was seen in eastern North America in 1988 and in British Columbia in 1992.

The risks to people come from handling sick or dead birds and from handling contaminated feed or feeders. In addition, cats that may have preyed on sick birds could possibly shed the bacteria and cause human illness. As the weather has been warm recently, birds are better able to find food in the woods and are therefore seen less often at feeders.

The signs of illness in these birds are lethargy, fluffed up feathers and heavy breathing. Anyone who sees such birds is advised to not handle them. If any dead birds are found they should be disposed of in a hygienic manner. This could include picking them up in a plastic bag and putting them in the garbage. Feeders should be properly washed before being put away and old feed disposed of. There is a possibility that some of these birds could frequent bird baths and spread contamination there as well.

Anyone finding a dead bird can submit it to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for examination at no charge. This can be done either through one of the regional veterinarians or provincial conservation officers (Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods) or directly to the laboratory (729-6897, St. John=s). These birds should be handled as recommended above and kept cool until submission.

Anyone who suspects that they may have contracted an illness from handling these birds should see their family doctor. Any animals, such as cats, that may have preyed upon sick or dead birds and which are showing signs of illness, such as diarrhea, should be taken to a local veterinary clinic for examination.

Contact: Dr. Hugh Whitney, Director, Animal Health Division,

(709) 729-6879

1998 05 12