01/03/2025
Do you have a birdfeeder? Here is some insightful information with the recent spread of Avian influenza in the Poconos.
Should I take down my bird feeders? Avian influenza typically does not affect bird species that frequent backyard bird feeders. However, one should always exercise good hygiene when maintaining bird feeders and baths to prevent the spread of disease. Every couple of weeks, feeders and baths should be emptied, washed with soapy water, rinsed, then a 10% household bleach solution should be applied to disinfect them before refilling (either allow a 10-minute contact time before rinsing or allow to air dry). Any spilled seed should also be cleaned up to mitigate disease spread. If you notice multiple sick or dead birds over a short period of time, you should strongly consider leaving feeders down and baths empty to not make any potential outbreak worse.
A certain level of sickness (morbidity) or death (mortality) is expected in wild birds and can occur for a variety of reasons. Pennsylvanians can assist with HPAI surveillance efforts by reporting any sick or dead wild birds, particularly wild poultry (turkey, grouse), raptors (hawks, eagles), avian scavengers (crows, gulls, ravens), and waterfowl species (ducks, geese), to the Game Commission at 833-PGC-WILD, [email protected], or through the online Wildlife Health Survey tool (https://www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS/app/home). The Game Commission does not advise that the public handle any abnormal, injured, sick or dead wildlife unless authorized to do so.
