Winter 2006

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Wildlife professionals recommend that birders take several precautions to reduce the risk of contracting any disease borne by birds and other wildlife

Take precautions with bird feeders

With avian influenza in the news, some bird watchers have begun to wonder if their backyard feeders could present a health risk.

Animal disease experts say it’s highly unlikely that finches, chickadees, juncos and other birds attracted to backyard feeders carry the strain of avian flu that is making headlines. That highly pathogenic strain, known as HPAI H5N1, has killed domestic poultry and more than 60 people in Asia.

In fact, there are no known cases anywhere in the world of humans contracting HPAI H5N1 from wild birds. Waterfowl do carry various strains of avian influenza, but no trace of the highly pathogenic strain has been found in either wild or domestic birds in North America.

Even so, wildlife professionals recommend that birders take several precautions to reduce the risk of contracting any disease borne by birds and other wildlife:

• Avoid handling wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Wear rubber gloves while filling or cleaning bird feeders.
• Disinfect bird feeders periodically with a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach and dry thoroughly.
• Wash hands with soap and water or alcohol wipes immediately after filling or cleaning bird feeders.

“It always makes sense to follow basic sanitary procedures when handling wild birds and bird feeders,” said Dr. Kristin Mansfield, veterinarian for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW).

Mansfield noted that migratory waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway are being closely monitored for avian influenza viruses and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is working with wildlife professionals in Alaska, British Columbia and California to track the results. WDFW also is testing small populations of wild birds as opportunities arise in conjunction with other, planned wildlife management activities.

In addition, WDFW routinely investigates reports of multiple wild bird deaths, sending tissue samples to Washington State University for disease testing. Mansfield asks that people report multiple-bird deaths – including their location, date of discovery and other details – to WDFW by calling 509-998-2023 or 509-892-1001, ext. 326.

For information see WDFW’s avian flu factsheet or check the following websites:

USGS National Wildlife Heath Center

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Washington Department of Health

Centers For Disease Control and Prevention