Veterinarian Wayne Hasbargen of the Rainy River Veterinary Hospital in the Falls, notified The Daily Journal Friday of an increased local incidence of salmonellosis infections in pets.

Hasbargen is issuing a warning that the bacterium can cause serious illness and even death, in animals and humans. The vet said most of the infected pets brought to his clinic have been cats.

“I’ve had about 20 (cat) cases in the last two weeks,” said Hasbargen. “They come in with anything from coma to upset stomach to lethargy.”

Most of the sick animals have been in contact with local bird feeders or areas beneath or surrounding feeders — which are primary sources for spreading the infection. Red polls, birds that have been seen in abundance this season, are suspected as the primary spreaders of salmonella at feeders locally.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reports a high April mortality rate of red polls and pine siskins in northern Minnesota, and some of the dead birds have tested positive for salmonella.

The Daily Journal heard at least one report of several dead birds, as well as a squirrel, at a bird feeder in International Falls.

Salmonella infection usually strikes birds when they are stressed such as when food is scarce, in extreme hot ot cold, or cool and wet, weather. Spread through droppings, the salmonella bacterium passes easily among birds congregating at bird feeders.

“And cats chase birds, it’s that simple,” said staff at Hasbargen’s clinic. But the public should be aware that any animal can contract the infection, and it is transferable to humans.

Pet owners should watch their animals for the following symptoms of salmonella infection: diarrhea that contains blood or mucus, fatigue, vomiting or fever. Cats in particular may not have diarrhea, but will have a decreased appetite, fever or excess salivation.

And some dogs or cats may have the infection but may not appear to be sick. Concerns about a pet should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian. Managing hydration is important for either pets or humans when infected with a serious bacteria. Maintaining water intake is essential. Those who become ill and may have been exposed to salmonella, should contact a physician immediately.

Good hand washing and proper hygiene should be followed rigidly. Do NOT wash feeders in the kitchen sink. Salmonella bacteria and other disease-causing organisms affect humans as well.

More information is available at www.cdc.gov/salmonella.

Guidelines for disinfecting bird feeders:

• Dismantle the feeder if possible, discarding any remaining seed. Smaller, plastic or metal feeders are more easily washed and disinfected than wood feeders.

• Wearing rubber gloves, wash all parts thoroughly with hot soapy water. Use a brush to get into corners and crevices.

• Soak the feeder parts for about ten minutes in a solution of 10-percent (or 30 to one dilution) bleach.

• Rinse the feeder thoroughly in fresh water and allow it to dry completely.

• Clean up the ground below the feeder, removing decaying seed and debris. Lime spread beneath the feeder about 1/4 inch deep to cover dirt, will help kill the bacteria.

• With gloves on hands, any dead birds should be discarded in a sealed container.

• Hands should be washed thoroughly with hot soapy water, and followed with hand sanitizer if possible.

DON’Ts for successful bird feeding:

• Don’t fill a wet feeder with seed. Moldy seed can make birds sick.

• Fill feeders with an amount of seed that will be eaten quickly.

• Don’t feed birds when there is a disease outbreak that can be spread at feeders.

Bird baths can spread diseases too. Refresh the water in bird baths several times each week and clean the bath with 10-percent bleach solution every two weeks.