Do harmful bacteria survive on feeders in winter?
Some bacteria, such as Salmonella, are very hardy and can survive in very cold temperatures. It can go into a dormant state, waiting until conditions improve. The Avian Pox virus is similar. Some studies of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (the bacteria that causes House Finch Eye Disease), however, have shown it to be relatively delicate. It will survive on your feeders for 24 to 48 hours during moderate temperatures, but it is does not survive at very cold temperatures. Not only can disease organisms, particularly Salmonella, accumulate on seed, but many cold-loving molds can grow on seed as well. Don’t rely on extreme cold to “wash away” disease organisms from your feeder. Be sure to clean your feeders frequently, and always rake underneath feeders to clean up seed hulls and waste.
