While songbirds and other wild birds are not thought to be susceptible to the current Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza epidemic, Dr Dan Forman, Chairman of the Teton County Board of Health and Associate with the state wildlife veterinary issues says disinfecting of domestic bird feeders is advised.
“As far as cleaning the feeders, and this should be done if possible on a weekly basis, especially during this current upsurge with this Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. I always recommend people use a good dish soap like Dawn detergent…works really, really well”.
Dr. Forman says the literature that is currently being distributed about the epidemic has not referenced transmission to pet birds in the house, but he would still approach the possibility with caution. That includes not tracking in any excrement from waterfowl into the home environment.
