Seed recalled from Wild Birds Unlimited due to salmonella

Kentucky-based Burkmann Feed is voluntarily recalling 20-pound packages of Wild Birds Unlimited Wildlife Blend bird food after tests revealed the presence of salmonella bacteria, a news release from the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said.

The bird food was tested by North Carolina’s Food and Drug Protection Division.

Only 20-pound packages of food with the manufacturing date code of "81132200 2916 08124" and sold exclusively at Wild Birds Unlimited stores are being recalled.

Locally, there are Wild Birds Unlimited stores in Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Williamsburg.

The North Carolina department initiated its investigation following reports of salmonellosis in dead wild birds found in various locations throughout the state, the news release said. The state agency is working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to identify the source of the contamination.

There is also a risk to humans from handling contaminated bird seed or pet food products, so the state agency is advising consumers to discard the product, avoid touching the unsealed product with bare hands and to wash their hands thoroughly after touching any unsealed product.