Salmonella outbreak killing birds in Lake Tahoe

(KERO) — Wildlife experts are warning of a salmonella outbreak killing birds at Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Institute for Natural Science and Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care issued an alert this week to be on the lookout for sick or dead finches associated with bird feeders.

Dead siskins have been found in recent weeks in backyards of nearby cities.

The deaths are believed to be related to an outbreak of salmonellosis, a common and often fatal bird disease caused by the salmonella bacteria.

The problem appears to be especially bad along the Northern California Coast, Oregon, and Washington.