Several state wildlife agencies in the the west are urging the public to rigorously clean or temporarily remove backyard bird feeders due to recent spreading of salmonella among the birds.

Cases of salmonella among pine siskins and other birds on the west coast have trended upwards in recent months, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and wildlife rehabilitators.

Likewise, California’s state wildlife agency recently recommended residents temporarily remove bird feeders and baths. Washington suggested the same in January for people who cannot rigorously clean bird feeders daily.

The outbreak has also spread as far inland as Idaho, with wildlife officials now releasing similar recommendations for frequent cleaning or removal of feeders.

Because birds often congregate at feeders during the winter, these large gatherings can quickly become salmonella super-spreader events.

SEE ALSO: Avian Salmonellosis Fact Sheet, Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative