Is there any risk of becoming infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 virus by feeding backyard birds or cleaning a bird feeder?
There is currently no evidence that suggests you could become infected with the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus by feeding backyard birds. HPAI H5N1 has NOT been documented in North America at the present time. Generally, songbirds, or perching birds, (Passeriformes) are the primary type of birds at feeders. While there are rare cases of HPAI H5N1 causing death in some Passeriformes, most of the wild birds that are traditionally associated with avian influenza viruses are waterfowl and shorebirds. Songbirds are susceptible to other avian diseases. Therefore, it is recommended that people who feed birds routinely clean their feeders and bird baths, and anyone who comes in direct contact with bird droppings should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water (cleaning a bird feeder; Songbird Diseases Encountered at Bird Feeders).
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