With bird flu circulating, is it safe to leave up bird feeders?
Since early 2022 the disease has killed or led to the culling of about 166 million domestic birds in the U.S., according to a March 11 report of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It's the largest, deadliest and most costly bird flu outbreak in history, according to federal officials.
The toll on wild birds is harder to tally but is also significant, according to wildlife officials.
In late February the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused the deaths of an estimated 1,500 sandhill cranes across several counties in Indiana, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
It was the largest documented number of crane deaths due to bird flu anywhere in North America, said Anne Lacy, director of Eastern Flyway programs for the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo.
With all the news of bird deaths, many people have concerns about feeding birds in their yards. Here is how bird flu affects different species and tips for safely feeding birds in your yard.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza does not affect all types of birds equally, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Waterfowl such as ducks and geese as well as raptors such as bald eagles have been among those hit hardest by the disease.
And domestic poultry are extremely susceptible to bird flu and spread the disease easily, leading to up to 100% mortality of affected flocks.
Since the most recent outbreak of bird flu started about three years ago, the Raptor Education Center Inc. in Antigo has taken in about 3,000 sick or dying birds, mostly from central and northern Wisconsin.
About 40% were songbirds of some sort. But none had symptoms of or were detected with bird flu, said Marge Gibson, REGI founder and wildlife rehabilitator.
Meanwhile about a dozen bald eagles were brought to the center with bird flu; all either died from the disease or had to be euthanized.
The general answer is no, according to wildlife health experts and rehabilitators.
Songbirds are much less likely than waterfowl to contract variants of avian influenza and less likely to shed large amounts of virus, meaning they do not transmit the disease easily, according to Cornell.
"If people have been feeding birds, you can continue, you should continue," Gibson said. "It brings benefits, including to people. As of now there is no reason to not feed birds."
Gibson said people with bird feeders in their yards should continue by using best practices, including regular cleaning of feeders with a mild bleach solution and water.
Rubber gloves should be worn when cleaning the feeders.
And if any dead birds are seen, use rubber gloves to pick them up and bag them and properly dispose of them in the trash.
In advice on its website, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says removing backyard bird feeders is not something the agency specifically recommends to prevent the spread of avian influenza.
Unless, that is, you raise poultry.
People who care for poultry should prevent contact between wild birds and poultry by removing sources of food, water, and shelter that attract wild birds, according to the agency.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for the public's help in monitoring for bird flu this spring.
If five or more sick or dead birds are observed in one area, the public is encouraged to report it by emailing to DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or calling (608) 267-0866.
In your message, include the number of animals, the species (such as Canada goose), if they were sick or dead, the specific location where you saw them, including name of county, as well as your contact information.
More: What to know about bird flu as wild birds across Wisconsin have tested positive for the virus
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Is it safe to use bird feeders with bird flu circulating?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
2 days ago
Dietitian explains fibermaxxing trend: What it is and how to properly incorporate fiber in your diet
The latest dietary health trend sweeping social media, known as "fibermaxxing," has people pondering the age old question: Can you have too much of a good thing? Millions of videos on TikTok using the hashtag #fibermaxxing have flooded TikTok feeds with an overflow of information. So to help better explain what it actually means and how it works, "Good Morning America" spoke to registered dietitian Steph Grasso, who said it's a trend she can personally get behind. What is fibermaxxing? Grasso, who regularly informs her more than 2 million followers on TikTok and nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram about proper nutrition habits, recently tapped into the viral trend on Instagram, highlighting the potential issues people may face by increasing fiber too quickly and overwhelming the gut. "Fibermaxxing is slang for eating tons of fiber, either meeting or exceeding the daily recommendations," Grasso said. "Protein has always gotten the spotlight, but with colon cancer rates increasing, people are becoming more aware of their low fiber intake and trying to maximize it." Whenever she's posted about fiber, Grasso said her comment section seems to fill up with replies like, "Fiber doesn't agree with me" or "Fiber makes me bloat way too much." "And I think fiber gets that reputation," she said. "Last year, I claimed 2024 as the year of fiber and made my content mostly about it -- trying to influence people to increase their intake," she explained. "I highlighted, and still highlight, beans as a convenient and affordable way to get in fiber. I think the most common misconception is, 'Fiber causes gas and bloating, so I should avoid it.'" While she explained that fiber can indeed cause gas and bloating, that doesn't mean you should avoid it. "That's your body's way of telling you it's feeling way too overwhelmed, because it's never digested that much fiber before," she explained. "Sudden fiber increases, especially if fiber isn't usually part of your diet, can cause temporary gastrointestinal symptoms because your gut bacteria just isn't used to fermenting it." How to properly increase fiber intake "If you're trying to add more fiber to your diet, I recommend increasing it slowly and gradually," Grasso said. "If you never eat fiber, set a goal for 5 grams of fiber a day. Then in the second week, try 10 grams per day and increase by 5 grams each week as tolerated." She also noted that as people are increasing their fiber, they should also be "drinking plenty of water," because "fiber needs water to bulk and aid digestion." The U.S. Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest at least 25 grams of fiber per day for women under 50 and at least 31 grams daily for men under 50. Easy ingredients to add more fiber to your diet "Beans, beans, beans," Grasso said with gusto, discussing the best foods to add more fiber to your diet. "They are so convenient, affordable and versatile. One cup has about 6-8 grams of fiber." Whole grains are another high-fiber food group that Grasso suggests adding -- think "quinoa, oats and barley." "Or snacking on fruit and nuts can increase your fiber intake," she said. "And of course, making half your plate veggies during lunch and dinner will help meet your fiber goals." Health benefits of fiber While Grasso said she could pen an entire article solely dedicated to the studied health benefits of fiber, she summed it up simply. "[Soluble] fiber supports digestive health by feeding beneficial gut bacteria. It also binds to LDL, [or] "bad" cholesterol, in the digestive tract and helps remove it, lowering your cholesterol levels," Grasso explained. "Plus, it slows the absorption of glucose -- sugar -- helping stabilize blood sugar levels and reducing post-meal spikes." No one food group can be responsible for better or worse overall health -- they should be combined with a well-rounded diet and other healthy lifestyle habits like exercise, Grasso said -- and anyone looking to change their diet should first consult with a physician before making a major change like upping your fiber intake. ABC News medical correspondent Dr. Darien Sutton recently weighed in on fibermaxxing for "GMA3." "This is a trend I can stick by," Sutton said. "The majority of us are talking about protein, but very few of us are talking about fiber. It's the one nutrient can extend your life. And 95% of Americans are not getting the recommended amount of fiber." To help people visualize how much fiber they should be getting, Sutton said the daily recommendation in terms of food is equivalent to about seven apples or 11 bananas. But he added, importantly, "this is not where you should get all of your fiber." Like Grasso, Sutton said to utilize beans and legumes by adding them to a salad, or try a half cup of nuts for about 8 grams of fiber. Two to three handfuls of vegetables is about 8 grams of fiber, he said. If you want to kick start the day with a lot of fiber, Sutton suggested adding chia seeds and fruits to morning oats for about 20 grams of fiber. "Fiber is so much more than helping us with digestion. That helps to regulate your sugar and protects you against diabetes, but it binds toxins and reduces inflammation, and that helps us to reduce our risk of colon cancer, and it helps us to get rid of cholesterol. There are so many benefits of fiber, and so few of us are getting it."
Epoch Times
3 days ago
- Epoch Times
American Billionaire Says He's Willing to Help BC Ostrich Farm Battle Cull Order If Asked
An American billionaire has stepped forward in support of a B.C. ostrich farm facing the ordered cull of nearly 400 birds after an avian flu outbreak at the farm last winter, offering to help fund the farm's legal battle and calling on Prime Minister Mark Carney to help reverse the decision. John Catsimatidis, a U.S. business magnate, said in a July 30 interview with The Epoch Times that he's willing to contribute financially to Universal Ostrich Farms (UOF), which has launched legal action to stop the cull order, and to rally others to do the same if asked. 'Everybody feels bad for [the farm owners], and we want to do whatever we can do,' Catsimatidis said. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is 'treating [the ostriches] like poultry, and they're not poultry. They're iconic, ancient animals,' he added. UOF, located in Edgewood, B.C., was ordered by the CFIA to cull its flock of ostriches after cases of H5N1 avian flu killed 69 birds last December. The farm has said it opposes the cull order as the remainder of its herd is now immune to H5N1 and is being used for scientific research. Spokesperson Katie Pasitney, the daughter of UOF co-owner Karen Espersen, said the farm is currently about $500,000 in debt, and while she 'was crying' over Catsimatidis's generosity in being open to contributing financially, she doesn't want people to get the impression the farm is financially secure and no longer needs donations.
CNBC
3 days ago
- CNBC
#Fibermaxxing is trending on TikTok: It's pretty safe, dietician says—but could be 'too much of a good thing' if you're not careful
For most of this year, health-conscious folks have been pretty obsessed with how much protein they're eating every day — and sharing it all on social media. But recently, a different essential nutrient has come into focus: Fiber. These days on TikTok, users are #Fibermaxxing, or increasing their fiber intake to get, or exceed, the recommended daily amount, and encouraging others to do the same. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Dietary Guidelines for Americans encourages getting 25 to 28 grams of fiber a day for women younger than 50, and 31 to 34 grams daily for men under 50. On social media, users are loading bowls up with chia seeds and fresh fruits and mixing together salads with vegetables and nuts to get as much fiber as possible, touting benefits like decreased bloating. "People are doing that because it probably helps with digestion, weight management, weight loss [and] gut health," says Mia Syn, registered dietitian and author of the cookbook, "Mostly Plant-Based." "Fiber is kind of becoming the new protein," she says. As with any emergent health trend, it's wise to exercise caution and consult with a qualified professional. The optimal fiber intake for one individual might prove excessive for another. Here, Syn breaks down the benefits and drawbacks of fibermaxxing. Most people could actually benefit from more fiber, Syn says: "Fiber is considered a nutrient of public health concern. Most Americans are not meeting the recommendation." Typically, adults in the U.S. are eating an average of only 10 to 15 grams of fiber a day, according to Harvard Health Publishing. And just 5% of Americans get enough daily fiber, according to a 2016 analysis published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. "Low-fiber intakes link to higher risks of certain chronic diseases like heart disease, certain cancers and Type 2 diabetes," Syn says. "We know that inadequate intake can also lead to digestive issues and constipation." Syn notes that everyone should get a sufficient amount of both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help lower cholesterol levels and stabilize blood sugar, while insoluble fiber can support digestion, regular bowel movements and prevention of constipation. "Fiber is really synonymous with plant-based foods. Not your meat or dairy, but more like your whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes." High-fiber foods include: "The best way to get fiber, and any sort of nutrient, is from food, rather than supplements," Syn says. There are studies that show excessive fiber can cause gastrointestinal issues like bloating and disrupt the absorption of nutrients like calcium. Some experts, including Syn, advise that eating 70 grams of fiber or more may exceed the amount that most people should have in a single day. "It is possible to do too much too soon," she says. Also, hydration is extremely important when you're upping your fiber intake, she notes. Not drinking enough water — whether you're fibermaxxing or just aiming for the recommended amount — can cause abdominal cramps, constipation, diarrhea, bloating or gas. As for the trend? Fibermaxxing is pretty safe, Syn says, but she suggests introducing more fiber-rich foods into your diet slowly over time to avoid discomfort. Harvard Health Publishing recommends adding "one more serving of a high-fiber food to your daily diet for a week, then see how your body feels." And then continuing that pattern until you reach your quota. "There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, so you want to be mindful of that," Syn says. "You want to stay within the recommendation, [but] going a little bit over for most healthy people will not be harmful."
