Bird Flu Concerns Prompt Guidance for Zweibrücken Garden Bird Feeders
Zweibrücken, Germany – Despite ongoing concerns about avian influenza, experts from the German Nature Conservation Association (Nabu) and the State Association for Bird and Nature Conservation (LBV) in Bayern confirm that garden and songbirds are currently not significantly affected by the current bird flu outbreak. The disease primarily poses a risk to waterfowl – including geese, swans, ducks, turkeys, cranes, and poultry – while species commonly found in residential areas like tits, starlings, robins, chaffinches, sparrows, woodpeckers, blackbirds, and greenlings are not considered primary virus carriers.
However,authorities are urging vigilance regarding hygiene at bird feeders to prevent the spread of other avian diseases,such as salmonellosis,trichomonosis (already circulating among blackbirds and tits),and Suttonella ornithocoda,a pneumonia affecting tits. Daily thorough cleaning of bird feeders and water bowls with hot water – avoiding harsh chemicals – is strongly recommended, especially when visibly soiled.
Residents of Zweibrücken and surrounding areas are advised to immediately report any sightings of dead birds exhibiting symptoms like a twisted neck or head, shortness of breath, mucus discharge, loss of fear of humans, staggering, or apathetic behavior to the responsible veterinary office. Nabu experts emphasize the importance of not touching sick or dead birds under any circumstances. Setting up multiple, smaller feeding locations is encouraged to support garden bird populations.