Explained: The dos and don'ts of bird flu protocol
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A lot of bird nerds and nature lovers have been keeping an eye on the bird flu arrival in our country. What can we do, what can’t we do and what should we do to keep them as healthy and as safe as we can?
Here are some things we can consider, published by Predator Free NZ staff:
Image credit: John Bruin
We are aware that some migratory birds have always been seen as carriers of that flu - it's quite logical that the skua was first found. It probably indicates that many more of these Antarctic birds are full of flu, especially when they get together in places where we, humans, rarely get to.
MPI 0800 80 99 66 to report sick birds
Image credit: Alex H Weller
Using bird feeders?
I am not too convinced that is a good idea. Big flocks of all sorts of birds could cause contaminations, maybe not bird flu, but I have seen a lot of silvereyes with Pox on their feet and faces. Yes, I know that Pox is a different issue with birds, but it simply pays to be careful with large numbers of birds hanging around bird feeders.
While there is currently no official recommendation to take down bird feeders, they need frequent cleaning to help protect birds.
The disease can spread through saliva on nozzle feeders, so clean them daily by scrubbing with hot water and dishwashing liquid (wear gloves and a mask!). 
Open dishes and containers accumulate poop and are high risk. Predator Free recommend stopping their use immediately, which makes total sense.
If you are trapping pests with eggs and raw poultry as lures…
A big bucket of mayonnaise and a small squeezable container. Raw eggs and bird meat could contribute to the spread of disease.
While the risk is very low for now and there is no official recommendation to stop using these lures consider phasing them out for now, especially if you use raw egg as a lure in and around your trap.
As an egg alternative, we recommend egg-based mayonnaise, which is pasteurised and therefore doesn’t pose the same risks as raw eggs.
Image Credit: Predator Free Tamahere
Keep cats safe and happy at home
Cats seem to be very susceptible to severe illness from Avian Influenza H5N1 and could contract it from exposure to wild birds.
Keeping cats safe and happy at home minimises the risk of being exposed to the disease, and it’s best for our wildlife too.
Oh, and while we are at it, keep your dog on a lead too!
Makes sense, don’t you think?
Image credit: Fiona Taylor
MPI: 0800 80 99 66 to report sick birds
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