Avian Influenza, or bird flu as it’s commonly called, has been a concern since 2022. With recent outbreaks in poultry farms and dairy cows, it’s back in the news and raising questions. How does it spread? Should we take down our bird feeders to prevent transmission of the virus? Is it dangerous to humans?
Cornell Lab All About Birds released an updated article with data from January 2025 addressing this very question. In short, the answer is no, you can leave your feeders up for your songbirds (and you) to enjoy. The article states, “there is currently a low risk of an outbreak among wild songbirds, and no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry, according to the National Wildlife Disease Program.”
To read the full article, including recommendations for those who have a small backyard poultry flock, or those who keep nest boxes, please click here.
Seabrook Island Birders published blogs addressing Avian Flu in 2022 and 2023 and interestingly the advice was much the same at that time.
Should We Take Feeders Down due to Avian Flu?
What’s Going On with Avian Flu?
Submitted by Gina Sanders