Backyard bird feeders and avian flu: What to know

After dozens of dead waterfowl were discovered near Patchogue this week and an Aquebogue duck farm was forced to euthanize about 99,000 ducks last month, Long Island experts and community members continue to grow concerned about the health of birds in the area.

Janine Bendicksen, director of wildlife rehabilitation at Sweetbriar Nature Center in Smithtown, said many people from animal rescuers to good Samaritans had brought in sick birds who most likely have the avian influenza virus H5N1.

"Usually, winter for us is kind of a lull for us, a slow season, so to speak," she said. "We were not ever slow this entire year."

The virus doesn't commonly infect backyard birds such as sparrows, cardinals and blue jays and many rely on bird feeders during the winter, especially since the recent drought prevented them from stocking up on food in the fall. But, experts say, the recent surge in avian flu means officials are closely monitoring the situation.

Here's what bird lovers should know about backyard bird feeders and birdbaths:

Is avian flu infecting backyard wild birds?

The state Department of Environmental Conservation says there is currently a low risk of an avian flu outbreak among wild songbirds commonly found in backyards, although they are susceptible.

Those who have bird feeders and birdbaths should regularly clean them to help prevent diseases.

Bendicksen, of Sweetbriar, said she had seen mainly waterfowl like swans, geese and ducks contract bird flu.

Should people continue to feed the birds?

The DEC recommends not feeding wildlife in general; however, there is no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry, according to the National Wildlife Disease Program run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

According to an Audubon magazine article on the National Audubon Society's website, bird feeders do not pose a significant risk of spreading avian flu, but they urge people to check with wildlife authorities.

However, Bendicksen said feeders do allow birds to congregate. Birds can contract the flu through saliva and fecal matter, so bringing birds together that usually don’t fly in groups can be harmful.

"This is why ducks and geese, birds that congregate together in flocks, I believe, are getting it more so," she said.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, feeders do attract more than half of all bird species and increase the risk of transmission of other infectious diseases, including salmonella, E. coli and mycoplasma, Danielle R. De Souza of the state Department of Health said in an email.

Aren't the birds depending on feeders?

Many birds do depend on outdoor feeders, especially in winter months.

Bendicksen said one alternative is to scatter seeds on the ground to keep birds from congregating. However, this could also attract unwanted pests or vermin.

Other animals such as squirrels, pets and even humans could become sick from an infected bird’s fecal matter and saliva, Bendicksen said, so scatter seed with caution.

Are sick backyard birds a risk to people?

Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Gregson H. Pigott said in a statement that the “risk to the public is currently extremely low” but that people should avoid handling sick or dead birds.

Infected birds may show neurological symptoms, such as tremors or swimming or walking in circles. Dead birds can be reported to the state DEC website. The agency's field staff is responsible for discarding infected carcasses.

If you must dispose of a dead bird, wear appropriate protection — disposable gloves, a mask and eye protection, Bendicksen said.

The DEC recommends using a shovel or a garbage bag to pick up the bird. Clean the shovel with hot, soapy water and disinfect it with diluted bleach. Carcasses should be triple bagged and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle, the DEC said.

An infected bird carcass must not be left in the open for long, Bendicksen said, because scavenger birds like eagles and hawks could eat it and become sick.