Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu ‘superspreader’. An expert explains
This seemingly harmless hobby could accelerate the spread of the deadly H5N1 strain.
Backyard bird feeding is a beloved activity for many Australians, with an estimated half of households participating in this hobby. However, this practice could be contributing to the spread of the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus, which has already claimed the lives of thousands of wild birds and mammals across the globe. The virus is now spreading across Australia, causing recent fatalities among crested terns and a long-nosed fur seal – the first detection of the disease in a mainland mammal.
Backyard bird feeding is controversial due to concerns about offering unsuitable food and birds becoming dependent on humans. Nonetheless, researchers are investigating whether this activity is a potential "superspreader" event for the H5N1 virus. By providing supplementary food, such as seeds or meat scraps, feeding locations become attractive sites for various avian species to gather, increasing the risk of disease transmission.
Birds carrying the H5N1 virus can spread it to other birds, creating a transmission hotspot right on our back deck.
While many people who feed wild birds have the best intentions, they may not be aware of the potential risks involved. The H5N1 virus can not only affect birds but also scavenger animals like possums, red foxes, and crows, as well as humans in close contact with infected wildlife, such as wildlife carers and veterinarians. However, human infection is rare and typically results in mild symptoms.
To minimize the risk of bird flu transmission, experts recommend stopping bird feeding altogether. If you continue to feed birds, there are three precautions to take: offer less food, avoid hand-feeding, and keep everything clean. Providing less food discourages birds from congregating, reducing the risk of H5N1 transmission. Hand-feeding should be avoided as it involves close physical contact with birds, which is not worth the risk during this era of bird flu.
Keeping feeding surfaces and equipment clean using domestic bleach is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Despite the inconvenience, these measures will protect both you and the birds from this deadly disease.
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
