Backyard Bird Feeders May Amplify H5N1 Spread in Australia

Australia’s latest H5N1 outbreak is expanding, and backyard bird feeders are emerging as unlikely hotspots for the virus. By congregating diverse species that normally would not interact, feeders create conditions that facilitate cross‑species transmission. Experts recommend the safest approach is to stop feeding altogether. If birds must be fed, they advise using smaller portions, avoiding hand‑feeding, and maintaining rigorous cleaning of feeder surfaces to lower the risk of virus spread. These measures aim to protect both wild birds and the broader ecosystem from further infection.