The state Department of Fish and Wildlife is recommending that people in Kitsap County and elsewhere temporarily discontinue feeding wild birds as there have been reports of sick or dead birds in backyard feeders.

The die-off of finches – such as pine siskins – as well as other songbirds is attributed to salmonellosis, a common and usually fatal bird disease caused by the salmonella bacteria, DFW veterinarian Kristin Mansfield said.

“When birds flock together in large numbers at feeders, they can transmit the disease through droppings and saliva,” she said.

Laurie Spickard of Port Madison they have found a dozen dead pine siskins out there.

The spread of the disease could be exacerbated because finches and other species that generally winter in Canada move south and are spotted in larger numbers.

“The first indication of the disease for bird watchers to look for is often a seemingly tame bird on or near a feeder. The birds become very lethargic, fluff out their feathers, and are easy to approach. This kind of behavior is generally uncommon to birds,” Mansfield said. “Unfortunately, at this point there is very little people can do to treat them. The best course it to leave the birds alone.”

The public can help by discontinuing backyard bird feeding until at least February, to encourage birds to disperse and forage naturally.

“Birds use natural food sources year-round, even while also using backyard bird feeders, so they should be fine without the feeders,” Mansfield said.

Those who choose not to discontinue wild bird feeding are encouraged to clean feeders daily by rinsing the feeder well with warm soapy water, then dunking in a solution of nine parts water and one part bleach. Finish by rinsing and drying before refilling. Keep the ground below the feeder clean by raking or shoveling up feces and seed casings.

People are also asked to reduce the number of feeders, use feeders that accommodate fewer birds and spread out feeder locations. Keeping bird baths and fountains clean is also important.

When handling birds, bird feeders or bird baths, it is best to wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly afterward.

DFW is asking the public to report dead birds online and avoid handling them.

For details go to wdfw.wa.gov/accessibility/requests-accommodation.