#FEEDSMART RESOURCES

By adding smart and safe practices, you can help protect our feathered friends.

What Should I Do If I Encounter A Sick Bird?


Do not touch or hand-feed wild birds with your bare hands.
  • If you find a sick bird, call your state wildlife agency or wildlife rehabilitator.
  • If you find a dead bird, check with your state wildlife agency for information about reporting dead birds in your area.
    • Some state and local agencies collect dead birds to test for diseases.
  • If your local officials tell you to throw the dead bird away, wear gloves or place a plastic bag over your hand to pick it up. Place the bird in a plastic bag, tie the bag up, and throw it away, following your local officials’ instructions. Some locations may allow dead birds to be disposed of in your regular trash. Wash your hands with soap and water when you are finished.
Always wash your hands with soap and water:
  • Right after touching your bird feeder or bird bath
  • Right after handling a bird, even if you wore gloves or used a bag
  • Right after touching your pet or pet’s supplies (like food, bowls, and toys)
  • Right after picking up your pet’s feces (poop), even if you used a bag
  • Before you eat or drink

Information from the CDC.

Mysterious Bird Disease Update
​

The Wild Bird Feeding Institute has been tracking the news associated with the mysterious outbreak in several east-side states in the U.S. that are causing birds to become sick or die. There is no definitive cause of death identified for the sickness causing eye swelling and crusty discharge, as well as neurological signs in birds. There has been no evidence that this is contagious, or caused by anything related to bird feeding.

We will keep the WBFI network updated once we have more news on possible causes. Read the article from the WBFI member, The Bird Mom, on 11 Things You Should Know about the bird disease.

WBFI recommends following the recommendations on your state’s guidelines on whether to take down bird feeders. Find your state agency here. WBFI will be working with state agencies on providing resources and information on best feeding practices, and when to notify the public when it is safe to feed again.

How to Clean Your Feeder and Bird Bath

Report Sick Wild Birds


​The Smithsonian's National Zoo had received reports of sick and dying birds with eye swelling and crusty discharge as well as other issues. Read more about the Sick Wild Bird Report. You should also report the illness to your local or state wildlife department.

UPDATES & INFORMATION

It has not yet been determined if the bird disease is contagious, so it is best to air on the side of caution. When dealing with a sick or dead birds be sure that you are wearing gloves and make sure you are washing your hands with soap and water when dealing with birds, feeders, and bird baths.

Make sure that you report your sick bird to your wildlife agency that may be tracking the data, and to the Smithsonian National Zoo (link below).

Can humans get Salmonella from wild birds?


YES BUT IT IS VERY RARE. On April 1, 2021 the CDC reported several people sick due to songbirds. The way that humans can contract salmonella from animals according to the CDC is by fecal oral transmission. See tips below to make sure you keep yourself and our feathered friends safe and healthy!
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