Bird feeders are a simple way to support and attract wildlife to your garden, providing seeds, nuts and fruit to songbirds all year round. However, as you may have seen on the news, with the current outbreak of avian flu – or bird flu – feeding stations can pose a health risk.
The current avian flu outbreak began in 2022 and has affected domestic poultry, including chickens and turkeys, waterfowl, including ducks and swans, and other bird and mammal species. Avian flu is not limited to a single continent or country, largely because birds can move and migrate. To date, bird flu has been reported in 108 countries on five continents, including North and South America, Europe and Asia. It is therefore important to take reasonable and prudent measures.
Bird feeders encourage large numbers of different birds to congregate and thus can become hotspots for transmission and infection. While we may want to feed songbirds, unfortunately in some cases this is not wise. So if you’re wondering should I remove my bird feeder during the bird flu outbreak, we’ve got all the information you need, including expert advice on what signs to look out for in infected bird feeders .
(Image credit: Linda Freshwaters Arndt / Alamy Stock Photo
Should I remove my bird feeder during the bird flu outbreak?
As a former professional gardener and birding enthusiast, I know how rewarding it is to support local wildlife. After all, what’s better than spying on a cardinal or finch at the feeding station? However, sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, and encouraging birds to congregate at feeders and watering holes would be a mistake in wild gardens, at a time when bird flu is on the rise. Here we reveal when you should remove your bird feeder and what steps you can take to protect wildlife in your garden.
(Image credit: MichelGuenette / Getty Images)
The decision to remove your feeder depends on local factors in your area. If there is an outbreak in your state, local government or wildlife agencies may recommend temporarily removing feeders as a precaution to prevent the spread of the virus. For updates, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.
In Texas, for example, the Parks and Wildlife Department asked communities to help slow the spread of bird flu by removing bird feeders and baths to limit gathering points. So even if you enjoy feeding birds in winter or want to boost biodiversity, it’s important to discourage behavior that invites wild birds to congregate or congregate.
If unfortunately you find sick or dead birds in your garden, do not touch them. Keep pets and children out of the yard and report this sighting to your local government agency.
Finally, if there are no recommendations to remove bird feeders or bird baths in your state, you can continue to use them in your yard, but it is necessary to follow strict hygiene protocols.
Can bird flu be spread through bird feeders?
(Image credit: Getty Images/Katie Flenker)
As of January 2025, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that it is a multi-state epidemic, with cases of avian influenza reported throughout North America, from Delaware to California and all states in between. So, regardless of where you live, the climate, or your hardiness zone in the United States, bird flu contagion is something for gardeners to consider.
Avian flu is mainly transmitted through contact with infected birds or through contaminated substances and surfaces. Feeding stations and bird baths can therefore spread the virus, either through direct contact or through salvia and droppings left behind by infected birds.
To date, the CDC has reported that more than 136 million poultry have been affected in the United States, while only 10,969 wild birds have been detected as carrying the virus. This figure could be significantly higher, as it is much more difficult to test wild birds. Currently, transmission to songbirds in domestic settings is low, but it is best to be vigilant and take precautionary measures, particularly if you keep poultry or have multiple bird feeders or birdbaths in your garden.
Simple measures to keep birds safe
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“During a bird flu outbreak, it’s best to take extra vigilance and precautions to disinfect your bird facility,” says Reese Robbins, gardening expert and creator of Just Pure Gardening.
“While you may think you’re helping feed your feathered friends, feeders can spread disease if they’re not kept clean,” Reese adds, “and there are some warning signs to look out for.
“If you see birds acting strange or moving slowly, or even deceased birds on the ground, that’s a red flag,” Reese says. “In this case, stay out of your yard and contact your wildlife agency.”
This varies from state to state, but if you are able to leave your feeder open, thorough and regular cleaning is essential. Scrub bird feeders and birdbaths weekly with an eco-friendly product fit for the job, like this bird feeder cleaner, available on Amazon. For small, hard-to-clean ports, use these bird feeder cleaning brushes, also available on Amazon, which will easily sanitize your accessories.
“If you have multiple feeders, perches or baths, it’s best to keep them far apart from each other to discourage gathering and gathering,” advises Reese. By taking precautions, you can continue to support wildlife garden ideas while minimizing the risk of spreading bird flu in your garden. And finally, it goes without saying, but always sanitize your hands with warm, soapy water after working in the garden.
Bird’s Choice Cleaning Spray
This bird feeder cleaner helps prevent the spread of bacteria and germs to wild birds, including avian flu. Regular cleaning of surfaces can prevent contagion.
Reese L. Robbins is the founder of Just Pure Gardening, a site filled with fruit and vegetable growing guides, garden ideas, and garden product reviews.
FAQs
Can humans get bird flu?
Bird flu can spread to humans, but this is rare. Most cases result from direct contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces, which is more common among employees in the poultry or agricultural sector. However, to minimize risk, always wear disposable gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after touching bird feeders, baths or birdhouses in the yard. Disposable gloves are available at Walmart.
Regardless of the situation in your area, regular maintenance of feeders, nest boxes and bird baths is recommended. Although you may see recommendations online for using household cleaning products, it can be dangerous for birds if you don’t wash and rinse the chemicals properly. To be safe, always look for the right product for the job, like this birdbath cleaner, available on Amazon. For more information, check out our guide on how to clean a birdbath.
With multiple ports, this feed design is preferable to an open plate, which poses a greater risk of contamination.
