BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — The transmission of bird flu from animal to humans is rare, but there are some people that are concerned about getting other animals sick because of a hobby.

Bird lovers and those who keep bird feeders are wondering if they can be spreading the disease.

What You Need To Know

  • Bird lovers are concerned with spreading bird flu to other animals through their love of bird feeding

  • ODNR recommends washing bird feeders in a bleach solution

  • Local nonprofit has received numerous calls a day about sick or dying birds

There’s been an uptick of bird flu across the country, and although it's been primarily in chickens, it’s left many people wondering if they should fill up their bird feeders.

Allison Welch has always loved birds.

“But I think in my 30s2, it became more of an obsession,” she laughed.

She gets all kinds of birds in her yard from cardinals, blue jays, crows, all types of warblers, juncos and the occasional red-tail hawk.

Welch’s backyard is a bird’s paradise. From native plants, a pond, bird house, and of course, bird feeders.

Som bird lovers are concerned about the uptick of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza — or bird flu — across the country.

“We’re seeing a lot of sick and dying Canada geese, and a lot of calls. Three to eight calls a day about sick and dying birds in our area,” said Tim Jasinski, wildlife rehabilitation specials at the nonprofit Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay village.

Some bird lovers are having second thoughts about their bird feeders.

“If you have bird feeders out that aren’t near places that geese or ducks or other waterfowl are going to be feeding off, it’s generally safe,” Jasinski said. “Any bird that’s spending a lot of time in or near water is the one that’s carrying the virus or affected by it more so than others.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources recommends taking some common-sense precautions after handling your feeders, including:

  • Washing hands with soap and water
  • Routinely disinfecting feeders using a 10% bleach solution
  • Avoid contact with bird excrement

Welch is an equal opportunist when it comes to loving birds even putting out different types of food.

“Peanuts and hard-boiled eggs for the crows, thistle seed for finches and suet for woodpeckers,” Welch said.

But she does have a favorite right now: the crows.

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center does take sick or injured birds,but they’re asking the public to call ahead of time before taking in a bird to determine if the animal has symptoms of bird flu.

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