Keep wild birds safe from disease

The California Department of Fish and Game is encouraging California residents to take additional steps to keep bird feeders clean. An outbreak of mycoplasmosis, a disease affecting finches but not humans, was recently discovered in the Walnut Creek area.

"Weekly cleaning of bird feeders must be done to minimize the risk of spreading the disease among finches and other birds," said Dr. Pam Swift, a Fish and Game wildlife veterinarian.

Mycoplasmosis is a bacterialike disease that has been discovered for the first time in wild finches in California. Affected birds develop an eye infection that may lead to blindness and breathing difficulties. Birds may then rub their heads on branches and feeders, increasing the risk of spreading the disease.

The types of feeders that birds must stick their heads inside are especially problematic.

To help control the disease, biologists are urging residents to begin aggressively cleaning bird feeders weekly by using a 10 percent solution of household bleach in water. The feeders should be completely dried before adding new food.

Other suggestions include:

+Clean up old food around feeders on a regular basis.

+Spread small amounts of seed over a large area in the sun, instead of using bird boxes or feeders.

+Replace wooden bird feeders with plastic or metal ones, as wood harbors disease organisms and cannot be cleaned as well.

+Use gloves when handling dead birds and bird feeders and wash hands with antibacterial soap when finished.

Residents are encouraged to take these added steps at least through the end of May, while those who enjoy bird feeding should continue the practice of regular bird feeder cleaning, up to a weekly interval, outside of this outbreak.

This story provided by StatePoint Media