PSA - Remove your bird feeders

[pixy0stix]

Or make sure they're cleaned weekly to stop the spread of avian flu.

www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/releases/2022/04/20/temporary-removal-of-bird-feeders

Article is specifically Michigan, but the recommendation is for everywhere.

[chickadee77]

I've been wondering and haven't heard a definitive answer: does this include hummingbird feeders?

[pixy0stix]

May 4, 2022 7:50:59 GMT -5 chickadee77 said:

I've been wondering and haven't heard a definitive answer: does this include hummingbird feeders?

I read another article that said no, it's unlikely to spread through hummingbird feeders. Plus, you're supposed to change those out very frequently anyway.

[sometimesrunner]

Aw, man. I saw the MI notice, but I couldn't find anything for my state. I'm so bummed about this! Thanks for sharing.

[rubytue]

Just an FYI, so far, it’s not affecting song birds. Poultry, water fowl, and vultures. Cornell is saying feeders for songbirds are still ok, unless you also keep poultry. Nothing wrong with being cautious, but also, don’t feel guilty if your are still up.
www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

FYI - recently, in MD, 100 vultures were found dead from the flu. And they closed some hiking trails. baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/05/06/hiking-trails-near-fishermans-park-closed-to-prevent-spread-of-avian-flu-after-over-100-birds-found-dead/

[chickadee77]

May 7, 2022 14:30:33 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Just an FYI, so far, it’s not affecting song birds. Poultry, water fowl, and vultures. Cornell is saying feeders for songbirds are still ok, unless you also keep poultry. Nothing wrong with being cautious, but also, don’t feel guilty if your are still up.
www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

FYI - recently, in MD, 100 vultures were found dead from the flu. And they closed some hiking trails. baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/05/06/hiking-trails-near-fishermans-park-closed-to-prevent-spread-of-avian-flu-after-over-100-birds-found-dead/

I know last year in KY there was a (different? Maybe?) wasting disease affecting songbirds, and they were unsure if it could spread to people. So I don't know if there's a connection or not.

[rubytue]

May 8, 2022 8:37:41 GMT -5 chickadee77 said:

May 7, 2022 14:30:33 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Just an FYI, so far, it’s not affecting song birds. Poultry, water fowl, and vultures. Cornell is saying feeders for songbirds are still ok, unless you also keep poultry. Nothing wrong with being cautious, but also, don’t feel guilty if your are still up.
www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

FYI - recently, in MD, 100 vultures were found dead from the flu. And they closed some hiking trails. baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/05/06/hiking-trails-near-fishermans-park-closed-to-prevent-spread-of-avian-flu-after-over-100-birds-found-dead/

I know last year in KY there was a (different? Maybe?) wasting disease affecting songbirds, and they were unsure if it could spread to people. So I don't know if there's a connection or not.

Yes, there was something with songbirds last year. They seemed to decide it was related to cicadas. 

But, the Cornell link does say to check with your state. 

[sometimesrunner]

May 7, 2022 14:30:33 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Just an FYI, so far, it’s not affecting song birds. Poultry, water fowl, and vultures. Cornell is saying feeders for songbirds are still ok, unless you also keep poultry. Nothing wrong with being cautious, but also, don’t feel guilty if your are still up.
www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

FYI - recently, in MD, 100 vultures were found dead from the flu. And they closed some hiking trails. baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/05/06/hiking-trails-near-fishermans-park-closed-to-prevent-spread-of-avian-flu-after-over-100-birds-found-dead/

I'm glad I read this bit about songbirds! I can put my feeder back out!