For the past several months, there has been increased media attention and general concern regarding the avian influenza flu virus. At Global Harvest, we have been following the developments and monitoring what experts in a variety of government agencies and independent laboratories have been saying regarding the flu and how it affects the Wild Birds we enjoy feeding. All indications are that the flu has not affected wild birds and will allow you to continue your enjoyment in feeding and watching your feathered friends. We have summarized a few quotes from these independent experts below.

American Bird Conservancy:
"Almost all human cases to date have been transmitted from poultry, and there have been no recorded instances of transmission from wild birds to humans. There is no evidence that the feeding of wild birds plays a role in the spread of the disease."

Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology:
"No cases of influenza (H5N1) have been detected in wild birds, domestic poultry, or people in North America. Currently, avian flu is not a danger for people who watch or feed birds in North America."

"Since January 2004, the known human cases of avian flu have all occurred in Southeast Asia. Almost all of these infections were contracted by people who handle chickens. Migratory waterfowl and shorebirds can carry avian flu; infected birds have been found in Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Russia."

Rob Fergus, Science Coordinator with the National Audubon Science Office, concurred with the Cornell findings. "The wild birds most likely to harbor or spread avian influenza are ducks and other waterfowl, often referred to as wild birds. There is a distinction between wild waterfowl, and the wild birds at our feeders," he said. "At this point in time, there is no evidence humans are at serious risk of contracting avian flu from backyard birds or bird feeding."

United States Department of Agriculture:
Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner: "For more than two decades, USDA has worked to prepare for and prevent an outbreak of dangerous strains of avian influenza in our country. Attacking the disease at its source overseas is a main focus for USDA. We also have strict importation restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus in our country and an elaborate surveillance system in place to monitor our bird populations."

Wild Bird Feeding Industry:
"To date, there is no record of humans contracting avian influenza from wild birds. Human infections have occurred in people who have been closely associated with infected poultry and waterfowl."

"The H5N1 strain has not been documented in North America. Consumers are encouraged to continue to enjoy their bird feeding and watching activities, as well as other outdoor activities."

"The current risks to human health are extremely low because the virus is not easily spread between people. However, the virus may mutate into a form that can be transmitted between humans. If this happens, the risk of contracting the bird flu from other people is far greater than the risk of contracting the virus from wild birds."

"There is no need to stop watching, feeding, or attracting birds to your yard because of the bird flu."

Avian Flu not a danger for bird watchers or feeders in North America
Press Release dated 22 October 2005
Sioux Falls,SD - Consumers who enjoy watching and feeding backyard birds are not in danger of contracting the Avian Flu, according to Dr. David Bonter of the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology.

"The spread of the H5N1 strain of the flu across Asia and Europe is certainly a cause for concern. However, there has not been a documented case of the H5N1 strain in wild birds in North America. There is no need to be concerned about feeding birds," he stated.

"Base your feeding decisions on facts, not fears," said Tom Franklin, Conservation Director with the Izaak Walton League of America. "Outdoor enthusiasts and bird feeders should continue to enjoy their activities. But remember to use common sense. Cleanliness and sanitation should be maintained at all times, whether you're a feeder or outdoor sportsman. Keep feeding areas and feeders clean, following the recommendations of the '6 Steps' program created by WBFI and other birding associations."

Franklin's reference to the '6 Steps to turn your yard into a sanctuary for birds' is a tip sheet for feeders and includes information on maintaining healthy feeder stations. Fourteen organizations contributed to the development of the material, and it is available free to the public at www.backyardbirdcare.org

A portion of the literature reads 'Keep feed and feeding areas clean. To help reduce the possibility of disease transmission in birds, clean feeders and feeding areas at least once a month. Plastic and metal feeders can go in the dishwasher, or rinse these and other styles with a 10% solution of bleach and warm water. Scrub birdbaths with a brush and replace water every three to five days to discourage mosquito reproduction. Rake up and dispose of seed hulls under feeders. Moving feeders periodically helps prevent the buildup of waste on the ground. Keep seed and foods dry; discard food that smells musty, is wet or looks moldy. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned every three to five days, or every other day in warm weather. It's good hygiene to wash your hands after filling or cleaning feeders.'

For Further information please use the website links listed
www.wbfi.org
www.birds.cornell.edu//avian_flu_link.html