How s bird flu transmitted? Shall I stop feeding the birds in my backyard?

[question everything]

[Ocelot II]

1. Bird flu doesn't seem to be spread much among songbirds.

According to the Cornell Bird Labs the risk to songbirds is low:

There has been widespread transmission of avian flu to wild bird species including waterfowl and raptors. The virus has also been found in mammals that prey on dead birds. However, transmission to songbirds and other typical feeder visitors has been low (about 3% of all cases reported in wild birds), although this may change with increased testing or changes to the virus. That means there is currently a low risk of an outbreak among wild songbirds, and no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry, according to the National Wildlife Disease Program. We do always recommend that you clean bird feeders and birdbaths regularly as a way to keep many kinds of diseases at bay.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/avian-influenza-outbreak-should-you-take-down-your-bird-feeders/

[multigraincracker]

2. Thanks for the info. Worry about my 3 crows that I've become attached too.

Took several years to gain their trust.

[NH Ethylene]

8. I have chickens and a bird feeder.

And I don't want to give up either. Not sure what to do.

[dutch777]

3. My neighbor has a bird feeder and we have been getting a dead bird in our yard every 2 months or so.

And with all our wild borders and shrubs I am sure I am not seeing all of them. State of PA is still advising to stop all wild bird feeding as they believe it causes more congregating and density of birds and increases chance of bird flu transmission. Not sure if exact science backs that up but seems probable. It is respiratory and I think it works with airborne transmission in birds but probably also direct contact.

[Ocelot II]

4. See post #1. Cornell Bird Labs doesn't think it's a problem with songbirds

but if the state is concerned I suppose their guidance should be considered.

[Danmel]

5. Is it possible that it's west nile?

We have had dead birds from West Nile on Long Island.

[Frasier Balzov]

6. Doesn't West Nile require mosquito weather?

[Danmel]

7. Probably but i don't know where you live