Safe to Feed Birds Again

It is now safe to feed birds!

“With decreasing reports of sick and dead wild birds, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is lifting the recommendation to cease feeding birds.”

“Wildlife disease investigations can be inherently challenging and sometimes do not identify conclusive cause(s). If additional guidance or significant diagnostic results come to light, that information will be shared with the public in a timely manner.”

The announcement also reminds people to keep feeders clean and continue to follow other best practices.

Because birds congregate at bird feeders and baths, the standard recommendation to keep that equipment clean remains in place, along with additional guidelines:

• Clean feeders and bird baths with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% household bleach solution. After allowing 10 minutes of contact time, rinse with clean water and allow to air dry. Cleaning and disinfection should be done at a minimum weekly basis or more frequently when soiled to prevent potential spread of any infectious diseases between birds and other wildlife, as well as remove spoiled food.
• When feeding birds, follow expert recommendations such as those listed in Audubon International’s Guide to Bird Feeding Opens In A New Window
• Remain vigilant and report any sick or dead wild birds to your local Pennsylvania Game Commission office.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wild birds.
• Avoid handling wild birds. If you must do so, wear disposable gloves or use inverted plastic bags on your hands to avoid direct contact. Dead birds can be disposed of in a closed plastic bag in household trash or buried deeply (> 3 ft.) to prevent disease transmission to other animals.