Experts warn backyard bird feeding risks spreading H5N1 virus

The H5N1 avian influenza virus has caused more than 1,000 crested tern deaths in Australia alongside the country’s first confirmed mainland marine mammal infection, a long-nosed fur seal.

Backyard Feeding Risks and Superspreader Dynamics

Casual backyard bird feeding can inadvertently create superspreader events for the H5N1 virus. Providing extra food draws varied bird species together in unnaturally large numbers, which accelerates transmission between individuals and exposes scavenging animals like crows, foxes, and possums that feed on infected carcasses or leftovers. Millions of people participate in backyard feeding, creating a cumulative effect that risks heavy wildlife mortality.

Threats to Vulnerable Species and Human Health

Endangered populations face severe dangers from potential outbreaks, including threatened birds like the orange-bellied parrot. While the jump to humans remains rare, wildlife carers and veterinarians in close contact have reported mild cases of infection. Experts advise that actions intended to help wildlife can sometimes trigger devastating consequences for local ecosystems and threatened fauna alike.

Recommended Steps and Reporting Protocols

Ecologists and animal health specialists recommend halting backyard bird feeding entirely as the most effective measure to prevent risky clustering. Birds naturally supplement their diets with insects, worms, seeds, and natural food sources rather than human handouts. Anyone choosing to continue feeding should scale back to lower crowding risks, avoid hand-feeding completely, and regularly clean equipment with domestic bleach. Individuals encountering sick or dead birds or marine mammals should avoid touching them, keep pets away, and report sightings. In Australia, sightings can be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline at 1800 675 888.