Birds struck down with salmonella

Concern is growing for Cornish birds after death rates have soared.

Vets at the Wildlife Veterinary Investigation Centre in Chasewater irds have have revealed that a salmonella bacteria infection is killing garden birds.

This is something that is seen every year but usually in the months of February and March so it appears the bug is attacking earlier than usual.

The infection is spread through bird droppings. People are warned not to leave excessive amounts of food for birds.The bacteria can also cause illness in humans and household pets and so people are also being advised to wash their hands after touching anything that has been in contact with bird droppings.