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Avian Flu not a danger for bird watchers or feeders in North America.
From the Wild Bird Feeding Industry, Sioux Falls, SD - Consumers who enjoy watching and feeding backyard birds
are not in danger of contracting the Avian Flu, according to Dr. David
Bonter of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. "The spread of the H5N1
strain of the flu across Asia and Europe is certainly a cause for concern.
However, there has not been a documented case of the H5N1 strain in wild
birds in North America. There is no need to be concerned about feeding
birds," he stated.
Rob Fergus, Science Coordinator with the National Audubon Science Office,
concurred with the Cornell findings. "The wild birds most likely to harbor
or spread avian influenza are ducks and other waterfowl, often referred to
as wild birds. There is a distinction between wild waterfowl, and the wild
birds at our feeders," he said. "At this point in time, there is no evidence
humans are at serious risk of contracting avian flu from backyard birds or
bird feeding."
The Wild Bird Feeding Industry recognizes consumers may be concerned about
the possibility of contracting H5N1 from their backyard feeders. "Human
infections have occurred in people who have been closely associated with
infected poultry. Not the wild birds at the feeder," noted Susan Hays,
Executive Director of the WBFI.
Wild birds accustomed to finding their favorite seed at the feeder need not
be disappointed, especially with the onset of winter weather. "Base your
feeding decisions on facts, not fears," said Tom Franklin, Conservation
Director with the Izaak Walton League of America. "Outdoor enthusiasts and
bird feeders should continue to enjoy their activities.
North American birding associations include many trained ornithologists and
biologists on staff, and these professionals are closely monitoring the
avian flu situation. Consumers are encouraged to visit the following
websites for updated information:
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