Feeding the Birds in Your Yard: Are you at risk for the Bird Flu?
- Date: 2007-05-24 - Word Count: 419
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This is the time of year in which the birds come back to your home in droves. Many bird enthusiasts actively attract birds through the use of birdhouses, bird feeders, and bird-baths. With the growing threat of an avian flu (bird flu) pandemic, it is wise to consider the threat that wild birds may bring to your home. Are you at risk?
The United States is preparing for the eventual spread of the avian flu to this country and has an aggressive interagency detection program led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This involves testing of tens of thousands of live and dead birds from our coastal regions, including Alaska, which is the state in closest proximity to Asia. In addition, the USDA has a "Biosecurity for the Birds" program, which provides important information about reducing the probability of birds becoming infected with the avian flu. This program develops practical, common sense management practices to keep the avian flu and other poultry diseases out of our commercial and backyard flocks.
The good news is that up to this point, the avian flu has not been detected in the United States, although some predict that it is only a matter of time before it affects this country. The avian flu is carried primarily by waterfowl and shore birds but is also found in domestic poultry such as chickens. So far songbirds and your typical backyard birds such as hummingbirds, bluebirds, woodpeckers, purple martins, wrens, and many others remain unaffected.
The Department of Interior's National Wildlife Health Center has issued guidance to follow routine precautions when handling wild birds. This is not because there is a threat at this time for avian flu but for general hygiene against other bird-related illnesses.
The Center recommends that people handling wild birds:
1) Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds found dead,
2) Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling (and cleaning) game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game,
3) Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning birds.
The Author recommends that you continue to invite wild birds into your yard through the use of bird feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths. At this time, there is NO threat for the avian flu, especially in North American songbird populations. Monitor your local news service for updates on the spread of the avian flu and other related bird-born illnesses.
The United States is preparing for the eventual spread of the avian flu to this country and has an aggressive interagency detection program led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This involves testing of tens of thousands of live and dead birds from our coastal regions, including Alaska, which is the state in closest proximity to Asia. In addition, the USDA has a "Biosecurity for the Birds" program, which provides important information about reducing the probability of birds becoming infected with the avian flu. This program develops practical, common sense management practices to keep the avian flu and other poultry diseases out of our commercial and backyard flocks.
The good news is that up to this point, the avian flu has not been detected in the United States, although some predict that it is only a matter of time before it affects this country. The avian flu is carried primarily by waterfowl and shore birds but is also found in domestic poultry such as chickens. So far songbirds and your typical backyard birds such as hummingbirds, bluebirds, woodpeckers, purple martins, wrens, and many others remain unaffected.
The Department of Interior's National Wildlife Health Center has issued guidance to follow routine precautions when handling wild birds. This is not because there is a threat at this time for avian flu but for general hygiene against other bird-related illnesses.
The Center recommends that people handling wild birds:
1) Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds found dead,
2) Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling (and cleaning) game, wash hands with soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and surfaces that come in contact with game,
3) Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning birds.
The Author recommends that you continue to invite wild birds into your yard through the use of bird feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths. At this time, there is NO threat for the avian flu, especially in North American songbird populations. Monitor your local news service for updates on the spread of the avian flu and other related bird-born illnesses.
Related Tags: bird flu, avian flu, bird feeders, birdhouse, wild birds, birdhouses, song birds
Mike Kershaw is a wild bird enthusiast and owner/operator of the online wild bird supplies superstore http://www.TheBirdWarehouse.com . Mike has a graduate degree in biological sciences and is an expert in attracting and retaining wild birds to your backyard. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
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