More Than 12,000 Wild Birds Infected, Experts Offer Precautionary Advice
The ongoing bird flu outbreak in North America continues to impact poultry, dairy farms, and wildlife, with more than 12,000 individual birds testing positive for the virus, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. Since its detection in late 2021, the virus has spread among more than 170 species of wild birds, including ducks, geese, gulls, owls, and eagles.
While scientists state that the risk to the general public remains low, they advise caution when encountering sick or dead wild birds. However, backyard bird feeders are considered generally safe, with experts recommending regular cleaning to minimize potential risks.
Which Wild Birds Are Most Affected?
According to experts, dabbling ducks such as mallards and blue-winged teal can carry the virus with minimal symptoms, as they have co-evolved with the pathogen. However, these ducks can still spread the virus through their feces or saliva, potentially infecting other birds and mammals like foxes.
Bird species that migrate or gather in large flocks, such as geese and seabirds, have experienced the most significant outbreaks. In Utah, a recent outbreak among migratory eared grebes near the Great Salt Lake resulted in the deaths of 15,000 to 25,000 birds.
Songbirds, including Northern cardinals, blue jays, and chickadees, can also contract the virus but tend to fare better due to their smaller, more dispersed populations.
Symptoms of Bird Flu in Wild Birds
Symptoms of bird flu in wild birds vary but often include:
- Lack of coordination
- Inability to fly
- Respiratory distress
“If people see a wild bird acting weird, the best thing they can do is call their local wildlife rehabilitator and avoid handling it directly,” said Dr. Dana Franzen-Klein, a veterinarian at the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center.
If handling an infected bird is necessary, experts recommend wearing gloves and a mask as a precaution.
Is It Safe to Keep Backyard Bird Feeders?
Experts say bird feeders are generally safe and are not considered a significant source of bird flu transmission. However, those who keep backyard chickens should remove bird feeders to prevent possible transmission to poultry. Regularly cleaning bird feeders and nesting boxes is also advised.
“The risk of spread to people from bird feeders is very, very low,” said Michael J. Parr, president of the American Bird Conservancy.
Impact on Endangered and Protected Bird Species
The outbreak has posed a significant threat to endangered and protected bird species. Scientists launched a vaccination program for critically endangered California condors after some birds became infected, but such measures are not feasible for most wild species.
Bald eagles, a federally protected species, have also suffered losses, as they are scavengers that may consume infected carcasses. In the first year of the outbreak, many bald eagles likely contracted the virus from eating infected ducks. This led to an unusually high number of eagle chicks failing to survive their first breeding season.
However, there are positive signs that some eagles may have developed immunity. The number of confirmed infections in bald eagles has dropped significantly from 427 in 2022 to just 48 in 2023. Researchers also recorded a record number of bald eagles migrating through northern Minnesota this past season.
“There are good signs of hope that eagles in the region are rebounding,” Franzen-Klein said.
Precautionary Measures and Next Steps
While vaccinations for wild birds remain impractical, conservationists recommend improving habitats and reducing other environmental risks, such as pesticide exposure and lead contamination from ammunition.
As the bird flu outbreak continues, scientists and wildlife experts emphasize the importance of monitoring the virus’s impact and taking necessary precautions to protect both domestic and wild bird populations.
Sources By Agencies
