From setting up backyard bird feeders to tossing crumbs on the ground in the park, the easiest way to interact with birds is usually offering food. And while experts often warn against trying to feed birds certain types of food—like bread—the practice is generally smiled upon. According to the U.S. Fish&Wildlife Service, some studies have found that feeders can help birds survive migration and harsh winters. Bird lovers who take this as reason enough to keep sharing meals should heed a new alert, however. Read on to find out why health officials are warning you not to feed birds right now.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently warned that it is currently monitoring the worst outbreak of avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu, that the U.S. has seen in more than five years, NBC News reported. As of right now, more than 24 million domestic chickens, turkeys, and other domestic birds have been killed in the U.S. since Feb. 2022 because of the outbreak, according to USA Today.
In 2015, nearly 50 million birds were euthanized or died as a result of bird flu. But the virus could continue to spread to an even greater degree in 2022. "This outbreak I think is likely going to be bigger than 2015," Henry Niman, PhD, a virologist and biochemist in Pittsburgh who has been tracking the bird flu's spread, told NBC News, adding the he is expecting an "explosion" of bird flu cases in the coming weeks.
And according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), birds or poultry infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have been found in more than 30 states so far this year, as of April 14. And experts say the far reach of this current outbreak might also be cause for concern.
As bird flu cases continue to rise, officials are sending new warnings to people in the U.S. to try to mitigate the spread. "Do not feed wild waterfowl and shorebird species. This not only causes the birds to congregate, increasing the chance of disease spread between individuals, it also increases their contact with humans," officials from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage Count in Illinois said in a statement.
The CDC said that infected birds shed bird flu viruses in their saliva, mucus, and feces. And if enough virus is inhaled or makes its way into a person's eyes, nose, or mouth, human bird flu infections can occur as well. "As a general precaution, people should avoid direct contact with wild birds and observe them only from a distance, if possible. Wild birds can be infected with bird flu viruses without appearing sick," the agency warned.
Victoria Hall, DVM, the executive director of The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, even advised people to pause the use of bird feeders and bird baths right now. In an April 13 Facebook post, Hall wrote that these "encourage birds to gather together" as well, which is dangerous given the current rate of virus transmission. "These are places where things like viruses could easily be exchanged between individuals," she wrote.
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The Alexander Hansenne is indeed a remarkable Racing Pigeon Strain. Dr Willaim Anderson in his book "The Sport of Racing Pigeons" 1947 writes extensively about this outstanding Fancier. I luck to have an original copy of the book. Need i say i myself have of the Bronze chequers in my stock loft Well wishes to you
Hello Dale, Donnie & Pam
Firstly, I would like to thank Dale for his persistence yesterday. Both
Linda and I were so sorry that your crossing was so difficult.
Originally, you texted me that you would wait for us---so of course we
would wait for you!!
We had a very pleasant return home with clear roads etc. But were
extremely tired and went to bed early!! I am extremely happy with the
selection of birds you sent even the replacement for 20512.
It was a pleasure dealing with the Zehr family. I spent time with the
birds in the garage last night and today speaking "Zehr Sion" to them.
Think they understood---at least until they learn "Trini Sion". Lol!!!
Thank you all once again.
Wishing you all and your families a very Happy Holiday Season!!!
Dave and Linda
The 3 birds arrived this morning in Aurora, Colorado safe and sound. Thanks. We'll do business again!!
Hello. We received the two boxes today with the four Hansenne pigeons. Arrived in excellent condition.
She is SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you guys for looking out for me. Can’t say enough about how much I love the bird and birds you have sent me.
Thank you so much, i got the bird! He's so beautiful, pin tail apple body, nice wing :)
Hello there, My name is Mike and live in Az, I had racing pigeons when I was young and now Im not young haha 61, Semi retired and determined to move to a place where I can fly birds again, want to get my grandkids involved. Anyway as a kid I flew some Sions and really enjoyed your website. When Im ready would love to get a few Sions again and see how they do. Any advice for an old newbie? lol
Hey Donnie, Saw your Birds on Ipigeon and must say, those are some Beautiful Heitzmans. They are very true to what I called the real thing. Beautiful Hansennes as well. Take Care, Chuck
Hi
I have placed the pigeon recieved from you recently in a priority express shipment back to you in same box recieved. Bird was beautiful and healthy but we realized it’s nature is such that it needs to fly and be a racing pigeon. We can’t offer that life to it and realize it was a mistake to try this based on our situation
Bird has had not been outside and has been confined indoors in isolation since recieved.
Please give it the home it deserves.
Appreciate the care you took getting it to us!!!
Need some color on my team. Had some sion couple years ago when i had a partner who sick and could not care for his own birds. He liked sions so i bought some from you on pigeonauction.com. We alot of fun his sions against my team .He has since past on. His family called me and thanked me for letting fly with me he really looked forward race day. HE WON EVERY WEEK
Path: https://www.clayhavenfarms.com/pigeons/for-sale
Thank you guys so much for allowing me the opportunity to love these birds.
Thanks again for the most beautiful Pure Paul Sions pigeons ever!! The loft is full of happy sounds from the birds strutting around in their new home. Y’all were so easy to work thru my problems of birds I chose.
Thanks a million times over Pam and Donnie. Your friend Jimi
