News NEWS | 22 hrs ago

Avian flu and you: How you can help protect local bird populations

Rick Spitzer

Does it seem like there are fewer birds in your neighborhood? Though your observations may be personal accounts rather than facts or research, they are common. The amount of birdseed consumed at my feeders is considerably less than in previous years. Is it pollution? Is it climate change? Is avian influenza responsible? Should you not put out bird feeders?

Avian influenza is caused by a virus that infects birds. It is most common in waterfowl and shorebirds. These birds can carry the virus without showing any signs of disease. Infected birds shed the bird flu virus through their saliva, mucous and feces.