Avian Influenza, commonly known as ‘bird flu,’ is increasingly in the headlines. Cases in poultry are on the rise, with other animals also having been infected, and while humans rarely contract the disease, it is possible. The virus spreads through contact with infected bird saliva, mucus, and feces, but it can also spread through contaminated environments. Present in the United States since 2022, there are growing concerns that the outbreak may spread again and continue to cross species. Health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are closely monitoring the situation.
The Impact So Far
The virus has caused significant losses in poultry populations. Over 100 million poultry birds have been culled as of 2024. These losses have had a significant impact on the poultry industry, leading to disruptions in supply chains and economic consequences.
Reports last year also show that bird flu has been impacting dairy cattle, with outbreaks reported in multiple states. While the virus does not cause high mortality in cattle, it does significantly impact milk production and raises concerns about the virus’s potential for further adaptation and spread.
While the current risk to the general public is considered low, human cases have been reported, primarily among individuals with direct contact with infected animals, especially dairy cattle. Around 70 individuals in the U.S. have caught the virus, and these cases mostly involve poultry and dairy farm workers and veterinarians.
Reported symptoms in infected individuals have ranged from mild cases like conjunctivitis (pink eye) to more severe flu-like symptoms. Tragically, one death has been reported. The CDC emphasizes that the risk to the general public remains low; however, those with direct contact with infected animals face a higher risk.
There have also been reports of mammals such as red foxes, skunks, bobcats, fishers, and bears infected with avian influenza, likely from eating infected birds. Outside the U.S., avian flu has infected farmed mink and has caused losses at marine mammal colonies in South America. The transfer of the disease to mammals raises the question of a wider outbreak.
Are Domestic Animals At Risk?
The ongoing presence of the virus in wild birds contributes to the risk of further outbreaks in domestic animals. In addition to domestic poultry, a number of domestic cats are known to have been infected. Authorities are emphasizing the importance of biosecurity and monitoring to mitigate the spread of the virus.
What Is The Danger For Wild Birds?
Avian influenza has primarily affected the following wild birds:
- waterfowl
- birds of prey
- shorebirds
- game birds
- seabirds
- owls
- crows
- vultures
Songbirds, which are frequent visitors to bird feeders, are considered to be at a lower risk. This is supported by surveillance data, which also indicate that songbirds are less likely to transmit the virus.
As with any virus, there’s always the potential for H5N1 to mutate, which could potentially increase its ability to infect songbirds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a monitoring program in place where they take samples from wild birds. This is an ongoing program.
Although the risk to songbirds is considered low, they can still potentially play a role in the spread of the virus as they could, theoretically, carry the virus on their feet or feathers, indirectly transmitting it to other birds or animals, particularly domestic poultry.
It is not so important to keep songbirds away from each other as they spread the disease less. Keeping them away from poultry who have a 100% mortality rate is, however, very important. This is still a preventative measure, though, as there has been no evidence that songbirds have transmitted the bird flu to backyard poultry as yet.
Should You Take Your Feeders Down?
At present, the advice is that you do not need to remove your backyard bird feeders if you do not have domestic poultry as well. Regardless of the low risk, it is always a good idea to keep bird feeders and bird baths clean. This helps reduce the spread of all types of disease.
What To Do If You Have Poultry In Your Yard
If you keep backyard poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.), removing bird feeders is strongly recommended. Wild birds attracted to feeders could potentially transmit the virus to your domestic birds. This is official advice from the USDA – biosecurity is key. Wild birds are the primary carriers of avian influenza and must be kept away from your domestic poultry. Here are some tips:
- Keep your chickens in a secure coop and run.
- Cover the run with netting to prevent wild bird droppings from contaminating the area.
- Eliminate or cover any standing water that might attract wild birds.
- Regularly clean and disinfect your coop, feeders, and waterers.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your chickens or anything in their environment.
- Wear dedicated footwear or boot covers when entering the coop.
- If you introduce new chickens to your flock, quarantine them for at least 30 days before integrating them.
- Rodents and other pests can carry diseases. Implement pest control measures.
- Look for signs of illness and report sick birds
If you suspect your chickens have avian influenza, contact your state veterinarian or the USDA APHIS immediately. Do not attempt to treat them yourself.
Are There Any Risks To Food?
Bird flu is generally not a risk to food safety. Poultry, meat, and eggs that are safely handled and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F are safe to eat. Pasteurized milk is also safe; however, the avian flu virus has been found in raw milk, and this should not be consumed by people or fed to cats.
Final Thoughts
The general consensus is that if you do not have domestic poultry, then it is not necessary to take down bird feeders. However, keeping them clean is very important. If you do have poultry, remove your bird feeders. Maintain strict hygiene practices when handling bird feeders and bird baths.
Monitor local reports of avian influenza outbreaks. If you encounter sick or dead birds, do not handle them and contact your local wildlife agency. The CDC has a dedicated page on the latest developments, which can be found here.
