Disclaimer: Websites and documents referenced herein may contain data that is transient in nature. Please make yourself aware of current information. Links provided here should provide helpful sources. Bridgerland Audubon and its authors recommend readers follow recommendations from state and national authorities: use personal protective equipment when handling and cleaning bird feeders and watering equipment. Protect yourself and the birds you love. |
Avian Influenza, known also as Bird Flu, is a group of avian viruses that have been known to infect birds and rarely to those caring for birds. As one who cares for birds, you know that birds can contract diseases in places where they gather, such as bird baths and feeders. Thus, it is imperative to clean these gathering places often. The suggestion from most sources is once per week and to use disposable or washable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. On this page are recommendations on how to protect yourself and the birds you love from diseases.
Avian Influenza is only one of the bird diseases that can be transmitted from bird to bird or birds to humans. According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources,
- “There is currently no evidence that suggests you could become infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza virus by feeding backyard birds. Generally, songbirds, or perching birds, (Passeriformes) are the primary type of birds at feeders, and they are usually not affected by HPAI. Most wild birds traditionally associated with avian influenza viruses are waterfowl, shorebirds and scavengers. It is unlikely that bird feeders will contribute to an outbreak among songbirds, but if someone also has backyard poultry, then we recommend removing bird feeders during the outbreak.
Songbirds are susceptible to other avian diseases. Therefore, we recommend that people without backyard poultry who feed birds routinely, clean their feeders and bird baths, and anyone who comes in direct contact with bird droppings should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.” Download Avian Influenza from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources https://wildlife.utah.gov/avian-influenza.html
The US Fish & Wildlife Service notes the following in their publication Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza:
- Is it safe to feed and/or observe wild birds?
“At this time there is no reason to believe that backyard birds are a threat to public health. Highly pathogenic avian influenza has not been detected in North America.
As with handling wild birds, the risk of humans contracting avian influenza from feeding wild birds or visiting wetlands is low. As a general rule, people should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects people from possible exposure to diseases and minimizes disturbance to the animal.
As always, common-sense safety and hygiene practices are a good idea when bird watching or handling wild bird feeders or equipment.
As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife—including wild birds— from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to viruses and minimizes disturbance to the animal.
Avoid touching wildlife. If there is contact with wildlife do not rub eyes, eat, drink, or smoke before washing hands with soap and water.
Use disposable or washable gloves when cleaning or handling backyard feeders, bird baths or other equipment. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
Contact your state, county, tribal or local natural resource agency if a sick or dead animal is found.
To dispose of a dead bird, pick up the bird with an inverted bag or disposable glove, place the bird in another bag, and dispose of it in the trash. Wash hands with soap and water. Trash receptacles should be secured so that children, pets, wild animals do not have access to them.
Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled) is an effective method for inactivating influenza viruses, including HPAI. Flu viruses are also inactivated with many common disinfectants such as detergents, 10 percent household bleach, alcohol or other commercial disinfectants. While the virus is more difficult to inactivate in organic material such as feces or soil, exposure to heat, direct sunlight and drying kill many types of bird diseases.” Download Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza https://www.fws.gov/media/highly-pathogenic-avian-influenza
Avian Influenza Outbreak: Should You Take Down Your Bird Feeders?, All About Birds, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Updated August 13, 2024, https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/
The Bird Flu Blazes On, Amping Up Concerns for Wildlife and Human Health, National Audubon, https://www.audubon.org/magazine/spring-2023/the-bird-flu-blazes-amping-concerns-wildlife-and
Avian influenza and wild birds, Division of Wildlife Resources, Department of Natural Resources, State of Utah, Last Updated: Friday, October 20, 2023, https://wildlife.utah.gov/avian-influenza.html
Avian Influenza, US Fish & Wildlife Service, US Department of the Interior (US DOI), https://www.fws.gov/avian-influenza
Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Last Modified: August 30, 2024, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), Last Modified: August 14, 2024, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections
Detections of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture (USDA), December 17, 2024, https://www.aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-detections/wild-birds
Should bird feeders be taken down to prevent the spread of diseases, such as bird flu?https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Should-bird-feeders-be-taken-down-to-prevent-the-spread-of-diseases-such-as-bird-flu
What About Other Diseases?
Songbird diseases encountered at bird feeders, Division of Wildlife Resources, Department of Natural Resources, State of Utah, Last Updated: October 20, 2023, https://wildlife.utah.gov/songbird-diseases-at-feeders.html
Word Cache:
Avian Influenza
Avian Flu
Bird Flu
Bird Influenza
AM H5N1
AM H5
EA H5N1
EA H5