Bird flu is spreading. Your backyard feeder could make it worse

Backyard bird feeding is a beloved Australian pastime, with roughly half of homes offering sustenance to wild birds, often multiple times daily. However, this seemingly innocuous habit could inadvertently promote the spread of the H5N1 virus, a deadly strain of bird flu that has ravaged bird and mammal populations globally. Recently, the virus claimed over a thousand crested terns and a long-nosed fur seal, marking the first mainland mammal casualty.

While many Australians enjoy feeding wild birds, the practice has its detractors, primarily due to worries about providing inappropriate food and causing birds to become overly reliant on humans. But what makes backyard bird feeding particularly problematic in the context of bird flu? And can it be conducted safely? People feed wild birds for various reasons, such as providing food during scarcity or simply admiring their beauty.

Most caretakers have strong affection for their avian companions and genuinely believe that feeding them aids their survival. Yet, they might not be aware of the potential risks they inadvertently introduce. When we offer supplementary food, such as seeds or meat scraps, we inadvertently create a hotspot for disease transmission, attracting a diverse array of bird species that would not naturally congregate in this manner.

These birds may harbor the H5N1 virus, and through feeding, they could spread it to other birds. This practice not only endangers both birds and humans but also threatens endangered species like the orange-bellied parrot. The H5N1 virus is lethal to birds and can also affect scavenger animals like possums, red foxes, and crows, which consume the carcasses of infected birds.

In rare cases, humans in close contact with infected wildlife, such as wildlife carers and veterinarians, can contract the virus, though human infections are typically mild. While backyard bird feeding may appear harmless, the sheer number of participants and the associated risks could lead to a significant increase in wildlife mortality.

If you choose to feed birds in your backyard, there are three precautions to minimize the risk of H5N1 transmission: reduce the amount of food offered to discourage congregating, avoid direct hand-feeding to prevent close contact, and maintain rigorous hygiene by cleaning all feeding surfaces and equipment with domestic bleach regularly.

While the temptation to interact with birds may be strong, these measures are essential to safeguard both human and avian health. Bird feeding could exacerbate Australia's ongoing H5N1 crisis, so altering feeding habits, even minimally, could significantly reduce the risk. Refrain from touching sick or deceased birds or marine mammals.

Report any sightings of infected wildlife to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888 (Australia).