The North Carolina Department of Agriculture has determined the deaths of several birds in Durham a few weeks ago were caused by a contaminated birdfeed that can be traced to the peanut salmonella outbreak.

The department announced Tuesday that an on going investigation of dead birds found across the state, including several in Durham, revealed the bacteria to be in a certain type of birdfeed. Kentucky-based Burkmann Feeds also announced they will voluntarily recall Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend bird food.

The recall affects 20-pound packages of Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend bird food with the specific manufacturing date code 81132200 2916 08124.

Joe Reardon, Director of Food and Drug Protection Division, said birds from across the state have been tested and the contamination came from a plant in Georgia.

"The plant in Kentucky did, in fact, receive contaminated peanuts from a manufacturer in Georgia so we do believe that some of this product does include some of the contaminated peanuts," Reardon said.

According to NCDA&CS, salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated bird seed or pet food products. People handling contaminated wild bird food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the product or any surface exposed to these products.

Reardon recommends residents wash birdfeeders with nine parts water and one part bleach. For bird baths, residents should washed the bird bath and hang it upside down and out of the yard for at least a month.

Related Links

1. Wildbirds Unlimited
2. Dave's Bird Watching Blog