From the Disease Investigation Archives
January 2009 - Avian salmonellosis mortality confirmed in numerous states (AL, GA, ID, MD, ME, MI, MN, NY, NC, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV)
Recent outbreaks of avian salmonellosis (Salmonella typhimurium) have been confirmed in wild birds across several states since January 2009. Suspected salmonellosis cases were also reported from CA, UT, ME, and PA. Concerned citizens across the country have reported finding dead or distressed wild birds near their homes and bird feeders. Public concern most likely is heightened due to the recent Salmonella cases in humans and numerous product recalls. No evidence exists that the strains found in dead wild birds this year are the same strains of Salmonella that prompted the recalls in peanuts, pistachios, or wild bird seed. Large-scale mortalities of passerines using feeding stations are common across the United States and often occur during times of increased supplemental feeding, such as winter and spring. NWHC distributed a Wildlife Health Bulletin on avian salmonellosis in wild birds in April available online here.
Source: Report to the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies from the USGS National Wildlife Health Center
View More Avian Salmonella Cases on a Map
The Epizoo Data Viewer summarizes information on mortality events (epizootics) in wildlife gathered by members of the Field Investigations Team at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Complete data from 1975 to 2003 are included, as well as some data from earlier years.
To explore the Epizoo map begin by:
- Follow the link to the map here
- Click the 'Query' button in the top navigation bar
- In the 'Diagnoses' drop-down box select salmonellosis to view case reports
Other Avian Salmonella Resources
Did We Miss One?
If you know of a highly useful avian salmonella resource that is freely available on the Web, such as images, maps, videos or manuals, please consider letting your wildlife professional colleagues know about it. Just email the resource URL to us at wdin@usgs.gov, and we will do the rest. If you include which organization or agency you are affiliated with, we will include a recognition byline.
