Feeding Birds During the Winter: HPAI
With the fall bird migration beginning we’ve seen some cases of the Highly Pathogen Avian Influenza pop up. Wildlife epidemiologists and avian experts predicted that cases would drop in the summer due to combined factors of birds dispersing and the heat killing the virus, but they also predicted that in the fall the migration would create an increase in cases once again.
The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza typically infects waterfowl and turkeys, few songbirds have been reported as infected. Therefore, the greatest threat is to residents who own backyard flocks or commercial operations. It is imperative to practice good Biosecurity measures and prevent wild birds from coming in contact with your fowl or to use the same water sources. If you notice sick birds in your flock, immediately report it to Kansas Department of Agriculture.
For people concerned about their bird feeders, a few precautions will go a long way in protecting the bird population. There is not currently a recommendation to remove songbird feeders or water sources. However, it is highly recommended that you actually clean those. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never cleaned yours in the 10 years it has been swinging from the rusty hook on your porch. So just a reminder that some soap, hot water, diluted bleach, good rinsing, and thorough drying will keep birds from spreading diseases at your feeder or bird bath. Cleaning it monthly would also not be a bad idea. If you happen to see some ill birds, take your feeder down, disinfect it, and wait a few weeks before putting it back up. If you see multiple dead birds, report them to your local wildlife biologist or extension agent.
It’s an important time of the year to provide birds with food sources as they migrate south or settle in to reside for the winter.
