can i feed the birds again 2022

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The Wild Bird Feeding Institute has been diligently monitoring the outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus [HPAI A(H5N1)] outbreak in the United States and Canada. The risk of transmission to humans is very low; there have been no reported human cases in the U.S. So far, there is no evidence that the disease is spread by bird feeders, but experts are advising hobbyists to air on the side of caution.

READ: Jenna McCullough, WBFI Partnered Researcher on What is bird flu and how does it spread?

“We advise doing everything we can to try and help our wild bird populations in these unprecedented times.” One thing to think about is not encouraging birds to congregate at locations like bird baths or feeders because the science is unsure of the songbirds’ involvement in the current H5N1 outbreak. These are locations where people could easily exchange things like viruses with one another, according to Hall.

“The USDA APHIS maintains a robust, multiyear surveillance program that periodically checks for the presence of avian influenza in wild birds, including flocks of songbirds and other species that are frequently found near humans, like rock pigeons and mourning doves. Lenoch stated that as of now in 2022, the HPAI strain has been found in 763 wild birds, with the exception of one songbird, an American Crow in North Dakota.

However, as noted by Allaboutbirds, the National Wildlife Disease Program has not released any official recommendations regarding the removal of bird feeders. org. According to Dr. Julianna Lenoch, director of the U. S. There is currently very little chance of an outbreak among wild songbirds, according to the Department of Education’s APHIS National Wildlife Disease Program, but owners of domestic poultry, such as backyard hens, should remove any feeders to stop the spread of HPAI.

These are the kinds of wild birds that were discovered to have HPAI this year, per the USDA. You can see a state-by-state map here.

The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, or HPAI, is spreading among wild birds, experts warn.

READ: WBFI Associated Researcher Jenna McCullough on What Is Bird Flu and How Does It Spread?

Leading authorities are collaborating with the Wild Bird Feeding Institute to provide members with updates on matters pertaining to the pastime of bird feeding. Our top priorities are the welfare of wildlife, and we have been keeping a careful eye on the Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5) viruses that have been found in U S. wild aquatic birds, backyard or hobby flocks, and commercial poultry starting in January 2022  Download WBFI’s press release here from April 1, 2022.

Since January 2022, WBFI has been closely monitoring the situation and acting on recommendations from the governments of the United States and Canada, our affiliated organizations, and conservation/wildlife agencies. Here is what we recommend based on the information we have so far; please note that this may change as the situation evolves; we will update as soon as possible and let you know when it is ok to put them back up if the following conditions below apply to you. Some people are suggesting the temporary removal of feeders. Does this apply to you?

Now, news organizations have reported on a Facebook post from the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center urging enthusiasts to remove feeders. Dr. Victoria Hall has consented to meet with WBFI personnel in order to make sure that we are doing everything within our power to support the birds during this difficult period and that our members and customers are receiving accurate, scientific information. Until then, WBFI has the following information thus far: READ MORE

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus [HPAI A(H5N1)] outbreak in the United States and Canada has been closely observed by the Wild Bird Feeding Institute. There is very little chance of transmission to humans; no human cases have been reported in the U S. Although there is currently no proof that bird feeders transmit the illness, experts advise enthusiasts to err on the side of caution.

FAQ

Can I put bird feeders back out 2022?

The United States Department of Agriculture reports that “Removing backyard feeders is not something the USDA specifically recommends preventing avian influenza unless you also take care of poultry.”

Is it OK to feed the birds now?

Should I feed birds year-round? It’s not necessary. Bird feeding is most helpful when birds need the most energy, such as during temperature extremes, migration and in late winter or early spring, when natural seed sources are depleted. Most birds don’t need your help in the summer.

Is it OK to put bird feeders back up?

However, removing backyard feeders is not somethings USDA specifically recommends to prevent avian influenza unless you also take care of poultry. People who care for poultry should prevent contact between wild birds and poultry by removing sources of food, water, and shelter that attract wild birds.

When can I start feeding the birds again?

FALL BIRD FEEDING
Region
Ideal time to start cold-weather seed feeding
Northern U.S. states
Mid September
Pacific Northwest
Early October
Rocky Mountain States
Late September