This is the time of year in which the birds come back to
your home in droves. Many bird enthusiasts actively
attract birds through the use of birdhouses, bird feeders,
and bird-baths. With the growing threat of an avian flu
(bird flu) pandemic, it is wise to consider the threat that
wild birds may bring to your home. Are you at risk?
The United States is preparing for the eventual spread of
the avian flu to this country and has an aggressive
interagency detection program led by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA). This involves testing of tens of
thousands of live and dead birds from our coastal regions,
including Alaska, which is the state in closest proximity
to Asia. In addition, the USDA has a "Biosecurity for the
Birds" program, which provides important information about
reducing the probability of birds becoming infected with
the avian flu. This program develops practical, common
sense management practices to keep the avian flu and other
poultry diseases out of our commercial and backyard flocks.
The good news is that up to this point, the avian flu has
not been detected in the United States, although some
predict that it is only a matter of time before it affects
this country. The avian flu is carried primarily by
waterfowl and shore birds but is also found in domestic
poultry such as chickens. So far songbirds and your typical
backyard birds such as hummingbirds, bluebirds,
woodpeckers, purple martins, wrens, and many others remain
unaffected.
The Department of Interior's National Wildlife Health
Center has issued guidance to follow routine precautions
when handling wild birds. This is not because there is a
threat at this time for avian flu but for general hygiene
against other bird-related illnesses.
The Center recommends that people handling wild birds:
1) Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds
found dead,
2) Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling
(and cleaning) game, wash hands with soap and water (or
with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not
visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and
surfaces that come in contact with game,
3) Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning
birds.
The Author recommends that you continue to invite wild
birds into your yard through the use of bird feeders,
birdhouses, and birdbaths. At this time, there is NO
threat for the avian flu, especially in North American
songbird populations. Monitor your local news service for
updates on the spread of the avian flu and other related
bird-born illnesses.
----------------------------------------------------
Mike Kershaw is a wild bird enthusiast and owner/operator
of the online wild bird supplies superstore
http://www.TheBirdWarehouse.com . Mike has a graduate
degree in biological sciences and is an expert in
attracting and retaining wild birds to your backyard.
your home in droves. Many bird enthusiasts actively
attract birds through the use of birdhouses, bird feeders,
and bird-baths. With the growing threat of an avian flu
(bird flu) pandemic, it is wise to consider the threat that
wild birds may bring to your home. Are you at risk?
The United States is preparing for the eventual spread of
the avian flu to this country and has an aggressive
interagency detection program led by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA). This involves testing of tens of
thousands of live and dead birds from our coastal regions,
including Alaska, which is the state in closest proximity
to Asia. In addition, the USDA has a "Biosecurity for the
Birds" program, which provides important information about
reducing the probability of birds becoming infected with
the avian flu. This program develops practical, common
sense management practices to keep the avian flu and other
poultry diseases out of our commercial and backyard flocks.
The good news is that up to this point, the avian flu has
not been detected in the United States, although some
predict that it is only a matter of time before it affects
this country. The avian flu is carried primarily by
waterfowl and shore birds but is also found in domestic
poultry such as chickens. So far songbirds and your typical
backyard birds such as hummingbirds, bluebirds,
woodpeckers, purple martins, wrens, and many others remain
unaffected.
The Department of Interior's National Wildlife Health
Center has issued guidance to follow routine precautions
when handling wild birds. This is not because there is a
threat at this time for avian flu but for general hygiene
against other bird-related illnesses.
The Center recommends that people handling wild birds:
1) Do not handle birds that are obviously sick or birds
found dead,
2) Wear rubber or disposable latex gloves while handling
(and cleaning) game, wash hands with soap and water (or
with alcohol-based hand products if the hands are not
visibly soiled), and thoroughly clean knives, equipment and
surfaces that come in contact with game,
3) Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling or cleaning
birds.
The Author recommends that you continue to invite wild
birds into your yard through the use of bird feeders,
birdhouses, and birdbaths. At this time, there is NO
threat for the avian flu, especially in North American
songbird populations. Monitor your local news service for
updates on the spread of the avian flu and other related
bird-born illnesses.
----------------------------------------------------
Mike Kershaw is a wild bird enthusiast and owner/operator
of the online wild bird supplies superstore
http://www.TheBirdWarehouse.com . Mike has a graduate
degree in biological sciences and is an expert in
attracting and retaining wild birds to your backyard.
