Bird flu is back — not among humans, thankfully — but our flying friends are passing it around, and one likely hot spot: backyard feeders.
A nationwide outbreak of H5N1 avian flu has affected 34 states so far, and some experts and state agencies have urged backyard bird watchers to temporarily put feeders away to keep birds from congregating and potentially spreading the virus even further. According to AL.com, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spreads through the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds, and the tough virus can survive on surfaces (like perches) even through frost or hard rain.
Unlike seed or suet feeders, hummingbird feeders are less likely to spread disease, though a pause on use might be wise in areas with high HPAI transmission. Those who want to continue feeding hummingbirds should clean their feeders daily.