The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is threatening the poultry industry and showing up in eagles and other bird species. Does this mean I should take down the hummingbird feeder and put away the water dishes that I set out for local and migrating birds? Watching birds in the garden is a wonderful pastime, so I'd hate to give them up, but I don't want to endanger the small birds that visit us either.
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| Hummingbird feeder cleaned and ready for visitors |
I turned to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology article, Avian Influenza Outbreak - Should You Take Down Your Bird Feeders, for information and guidance. According to Julie Lenoch, DVD, Director of National Wildlife Disease Program (NWDP), there is low risk of an outbreak of avian flu among wild songbirds. Most of the concern is that a rare individual might transmit an infection to backyard poultry or the poultry industry. This makes it important to keep songbirds and poultry away from each other.
The article recommends several methods for cleaning feeders, based on research reported in the article Safe Feeding Environment: Feeder Care. Methods include:
- (Most effective) Scrub debris off feeders, soak them for 10 minutes in a diluted bleach solution, and then wash them with soap and boiling water.
- Or, soak them for 10 minutes in a diluted bleach solution or one hour in a weak vinegar solution and then scrub with a clean bottle brush. Rinse thoroughly.
- Or, wash them in a dishwasher on a hot setting. Allow to dry completely before refilling.
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| Birds visiting the communal water dish |
I'm relieved to know that with diligent cleaning practices, I should be able to continue offering fresh water and sugar water to our avian visitors. At least for now!
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