Bird Flu, or also called Avian influenza, is caused by a virus that has several strains, some of which are more dangerous than others. Bird Flu is normally found in swans, geese, ducks, and others in the species of migratory waterfowl.
These birds can carry AI without getting sick. As they migrate, they spread the disease to other bird species as well as within their own colony.
According to The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, the strain currently being transmitted is a highly pathogenic form of H5N1, which has global agriculture trade impacts for the United States and can have severe impacts on susceptible birds of many species. While waterfowl can carry and shed this virus without any symptoms, birds like domestic chickens and raptors get severe illness and rapidly die. Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is spread in the feces and respiratory secretions of infected birds and can be easily transmitted on objects contaminated with virus particles. The virus is tough and can survive cold and freezing temperatures, as well as survive in aquatic environments.
This avian influenza does not pose any risk to humans, and there are no human cases of avian influenza viruses in the United States. But the virus can be deadly in some birds.
The Raptor Center is closely monitoring our local wildlife populations for positive cases of avian influenza and working with other organizations to better understand the current outbreak and help guide the response.
Researchers recommend removing bird feeders and taking steps in discouraging bird gatherings at bird baths.
Hummingbird feeders are not without risk. However, they would pose the lowest risk as they tend to have a much more limited group of birds visiting them. In areas with substantial HPAI transmission consider pausing or, if you continue to use them, clean them on a daily basis to further reduce risk.
Source: The Raptor Center ( University of Minnesota)
Additional Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avian_influenza
https://raptor.umn.edu/about-us/our-research/HPAI
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