Bird Flu and Bird Feeders: Should You Take Them Down? | Know when to keep feeding and when to stop

Guidance last reviewed: October 12, 2026. Bird flu advice can change quickly; always check your state wildlife agency.

For most backyards in the United States, you don’t need to take bird feeders down because of bird flu. According to USDA’s National Wildlife Disease Program, as summarized by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, there is currently a low risk of an outbreak among wild songbirds and no official recommendation to take down feeders unless you also keep domestic poultry. That baseline changes if your state issues an advisory, if sick or dead birds turn up in your yard, or if you keep chickens or ducks.

How risky are feeders for songbirds?

The current H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has hit waterfowl, raptors and poultry hardest. Songbirds, the main visitors to backyard feeders, are affected far less. For the feeders themselves, see our guide to choosing a bird feeder.

Cornell explains why, citing published reviews: songbirds are much less likely than waterfowl to contract avian influenza and less likely to shed large amounts of virus, so they don’t pass it on easily. The virus spreads through the saliva, mucus and feces of infected birds.

Low risk isn’t zero risk. Cornell’s list of USDA detections through January 2026 counted 16,657 wild bird detections, 472 of them in passerines (perching birds, including songbirds). Feeder visitors on the list include House Sparrow (127), American Crow (118), Rock Pigeon (88), Cooper’s Hawk (42), Mourning Dove (7), Blue Jay (4) and House Finch (2). These are counts of positive tests, not infection rates, and Cornell notes the picture could change with more testing or changes in the virus.

Audubon reached a similar view after the surge that began in late 2024: songbird infections remain uncommon and feeders are not considered a major risk, though experts still stress regular cleaning and following local and state guidance.

When to take your feeders down

Take seed feeders down if any of these apply.

Your state wildlife agency advises it. Cornell’s own guidance is to follow any recommendations put out by your state government, even where that advice conflicts with Cornell’s. State agencies see local outbreak data that national guidance can’t.
You see sick or dead birds. Avoid handling them and report them (see below). Removing feeders for a while helps disperse birds that would otherwise crowd together.
You keep chickens, ducks or other poultry. Poultry are far more vulnerable than songbirds. Cornell explains that the main concern with songbirds is that a rare individual might pass the infection to poultry.

If none of these apply, feeding with good hygiene is consistent with current federal guidance. Oregon State University Extension’s wildlife specialist reached the same conclusion: very low risk to native songbirds, no official recommendation to remove feeders, and regular cleaning for other diseases.

How to check your state’s current advice

Check your state wildlife agency’s website, often called the Department of Natural Resources, Fish and Game, or Fish and Wildlife. Look for an avian influenza or wildlife disease page, or recent news releases.
Check recent detections. USDA APHIS publishes confirmed HPAI detections in wild birds by state and county, including the past 30 days.
Look at the date. Advisories are often temporary and tied to a season or an outbreak. An old news story may no longer apply.

Examples of past state advisories

States have issued temporary advisories during outbreaks. These examples are dated and are not current guidance:

Illinois, spring 2022. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources asked residents to stop using bird feeders and bird baths through May 31, 2022, especially those waterfowl might visit, even though HPAI had not been detected in songbirds there. It also advised cleaning feeders and baths with one part bleach to nine parts water, removing seed from the ground below feeders, and not feeding wild birds near domestic flocks.
Massachusetts, early 2025. MassWildlife reported that HPAI was suspected in wild and domestic bird deaths in several Massachusetts communities. It noted that raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds were most at risk, but that any bird species should be considered susceptible. If you live in Massachusetts, check MassWildlife for its current position.

These show why your state’s current notice matters more than any national article, this one included.

Can people catch bird flu from bird feeders?

The risk to the public is low. As of its March 6, 2026 update, CDC rated the current public health risk as low and reported 71 human cases in the United States since February 2024, mostly among dairy and poultry workers with animal exposure.

CDC’s advice for bird hobbyists is practical:

Clean bird feeders and bird baths regularly, wear disposable gloves while cleaning, and wash your hands with soap and water right after.
Avoid touching surfaces contaminated with bird droppings, saliva or mucus.
Avoid unprotected contact with sick or dead birds.

If you keep chickens or ducks

Poultry are the main reason for caution. Cornell, relaying USDA APHIS biosecurity advice, lists the key steps for backyard flock owners:

Make your flock’s food and water inaccessible to wild birds.
Keep poultry indoors or physically separated from wild birds where possible.
Change clothes and wash your hands before tending poultry.
As a secondary measure, take down wild bird feeders or keep them well away from your flock.

If you find a sick or dead bird

Don’t handle it if you can avoid it. Cornell advises calling your state wildlife health agency, which can arrange testing.
Report unusual bird deaths. CDC lists your state veterinarian or USDA’s toll free line at 1-866-536-7593.
If you must move it, wear gloves and a face mask, place the bird in a double bagged garbage bag, throw the gloves and mask away, and wash your hands well.
Keep pets away from sick or dead wild birds.

Can bird flu spread through bird feeders?

It is possible but considered unlikely for songbirds. The virus spreads through saliva, mucus and feces, but songbirds are less likely than waterfowl to become infected or shed large amounts of virus. The main concern is wild birds carrying the virus to backyard poultry.

Should I take down hummingbird feeders?

The federal guidance in this article does not single out hummingbird feeders, so the same baseline applies: keep them clean and follow your state wildlife agency. Some state advisories have treated seed feeders and nectar feeders differently, so read your state’s notice for details.

What about bird baths?

Treat bird baths like feeders. Clean them regularly while wearing gloves, and take them down if your state advises it or you see sick birds. Baths that ducks or geese visit deserve extra caution, since waterfowl are among the birds most affected. Our guide to [keeping bird baths clean](/water-features/keep-bird-bath-water-clean-mosquito-free) covers the routine.

Can I get bird flu from cleaning my feeder?

The risk to the public is low. CDC advises wearing disposable gloves when cleaning feeders or bird baths and washing your hands with soap and water immediately afterward.

When can I put my feeders back up after a state advisory?

Follow the end date or all clear in your state’s notice. Past advisories have been temporary and tied to migration seasons or local outbreaks. Clean feeders thoroughly before putting them back out.

Bird Flu and Bird Feeders: Should You Take Yours Down?