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Thecurrent avian flu outbreakis responsible for millions of bird deaths in 2022.
According to theU.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA), the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) has led to over 23 million bird deaths in 24 states. The bird flu surge has also temporarilyshut down the aviaries in many U.S. zoos and has sickened zoo birds.
In response to the spread of avian flu across the U.S., some states are asking residents to remove their bird feeders from outside to prevent birds, especially migratory species, from congregating and spreading avian flu.
The Department of Natural Resources for bothMichiganandIllinoishave issued recommendations to residents to remove their bird feeders. To learn more about why wildlife experts suggest this action as a precaution, PEOPLE reached out to Dr. Gail Hansen, DVM, MPH, of theHumane Society Veterinary Medical Association— a part of theHumane Society of the United States.
“The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spread in the droppings and respiratory secretions of infected birds and can be easily transmitted on objects contaminated with virus particles. The virus is tough and can survive cold and freezing temperatures,” Dr. Hansen said of why some state departments may ask people to remove birdfeeders.
“Bird feeders encourage different types of birds to gather together where the virus could easily be exchanged between them, and the shared surfaces may continue to harbor the virus for a time,” she added.
According to Dr. Hansen, it is not known “whether songbirds can spread the disease or the role that they play in influenza outbreaks,” and is it because of this uncertainly and the aggressive spread of the current bird flu outbreak that “the USDA, wildlife officials, and others recommend people remove bird feeders for now.”
The veterinarian also said animal lovers should not worry about birds going hungry without feeders, as the “warmer springtime weather” will provide “more natural food sources.” Hence, there is less dependency on bird feeders.
“There are a lot of unknowns about how the influenza virus will affect other birds people keep as pets. However, don’t assume that your birds will be safe from the virus unless they have no contact with outside birds or articles that have been outside that other birds may have touched. There are cases where pet birds have been infected,” she added.
To help stop the spread of bird flu, Dr. Hansen recommends:
source: people.com
