World Health Organization Publishes Findings that Point to Indirect Spread of H5N1

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Reuters just published an article outlining a recent study on H5N1 (the avian flu) by the World Health Organization. Researchers noted that, "In one quarter or more of patients with influenza A (H5N1) virus infection, the source of exposure is unclear, and environment-to-human transmission remains possible...For some patients, the only identified risk factor was visiting a live-poultry market. It could be that small particles of virus-contaminated fluid stuck to surfaces, they said. Or perhaps fertilizer made from infected bird feces somehow carried the virus into people's noses or mouths."

This has implications beyond the realm of domestic birds. This means that wild migratory birds can spread bird flu through their droppings. The research points to the idea that H5N1 is spread in the same way as histoplasmosis or cryptococcosis (particle of fecal matter can be inhaled and introduced to the body through mucus membranes).

Hopefully this discovery will spur a more proactive approach to containing the spread of bird flu. I have noticed that whenever an outbreak of bird flu appears, people react with a protective zone which limits interactions with birds. Wouldn't it be more helpful to utilize exclusion technologies before the outbreak in order to prevent it from happening? Individuals who work with domestic birds should take this information to heart and seriously consider a strategy for keeping their birds safe from bird flu. This might also be the time for the general public to consider that in the past, our most devastating influenza outbreaks affected people with the strongest immune systems by using the mechanisms of the immune system to actually spread the virus and cause permanent damage to tissues.

Why Killing Birds Doesn't Stop them From Infesting your Property

This seems kind of strange to most people. Killing a bird is the most permanent way to get rid of it, right? Well, only sort of. Using lethal methods will permanently keep that specific bird away but I think it's safe to assume that your issue is with birds in general rather than a personal vendetta. Think about this: your problem is that birds like the environment that you provide. The birds that you encounter are simply a symptom of that problem, not the problem itself. If you solve for the issue of the specific birds you see by killing them, you're just leaving prime real estate open for the next flock that comes along. To be sure, that void will be filled and you'll be trapped in an endless cycle.

The key here is to address the environment rather than the birds themselves. Make the environment unappealing (address the senses: visual, auditory, taste, smell) and use physical barriers (like netting or spikes) if necessary.

An important side note on this topic: a huge number of birds (like the Canada Goose) are protected by the Migratory Bird act of 1918 which makes it illegal to kill them or even tamper with their nests. So, even if your issue is with a species like pigeons you really do not want to leave poisoned seed out (or anything like that) because you could accidentally affect one of the protected species and get in BIG TROUBLE with governmental agencies and the nice people over at PETA. Luckily there are cruelty free, humane bird control methods available so you can get rid of even the most stubborn Canada Goose.

A place to start: Humane Strategies for Controlling Wild Bird Infestations

For people who want their options spelled out, I'll gladly break them down for you:

Visual Scares: These devices are meant to intimidate birds by resembling their predators. Most people think of scarecrows, rubber snakes, or plastic owls when they think of this category. If you’ve ever used one of the aforementioned products you’re probably already aware that they don’t work. A rubber snake has the same effect on a bird as it does on you. At first you might be scared and then once that initial reaction passes you quickly see that it’s not moving and you go on with your daily business. Birds do not get intimidated by things that look like predators; they are intimidated by things that act like predators. This is why having a stationary object is ineffective. Look for scares that incorporate movement along with the appearance. One effective product is a special balloon that can be attached to a tree or post. These balloons have holographic eyes on them that follow birds as they fly by and bounce around in the wind creating the feeling that this thing might actually be alive. Just make sure, when using visual scares, to move the devices around every so often so birds don’t become accustomed to seeing them.

Auditory Devices: Auditory devices are broken down into two subcategories: sonic and ultrasonic. Both categories are heard by birds but ultrasonic devices use a frequency that is above the range of human hearing.

Ultrasonic devices are best used in semi-enclosed or enclosed areas because the waves dissipate fairly quickly when compared to sonic devices. They are good for places like outdoor restaurants, airplane hangars etc because they can cover a small area effectively without people even knowing that it’s working. These products also drive away bat populations. Look for a system with multiple speakers so you can control the direction of the sound waves and create a surround sound effect.

Sonic devices are heard by both humans and birds. They use a variety of recordings that can include the sounds of predators, gunshots, and most importantly, distress calls of birds. The combination of sounds from predators like coyotes or owls and the distress calls create a very convincing ruse. When birds hear these sounds they feel unsafe in the surrounding environment. These products can be species specific or for general use. Something that makes a sonic device more effective is the inclusion of change in the product. Like the visual scare devices, birds become accustomed to anything that stays the same for too long. Make sure the device you use alternates the order and frequency of the sound effects.

Physical Barriers: Physical barriers are pretty straight forward. If you see a bird roosting somewhere, but a barrier on it. There are rows of spikes available to attach on your roof, on ledges, etc that do not hurt the birds, they just make the surface very uninviting and uncomfortable. In addition, there are sticky gels that you can either dot on small surfaces or dilute and spray over a larger surface that stick to the birds feet and feathers that just make them feel uncomfortable and want to find another place to land next time. Another option is netting which physically keeps birds out of a particular area.

Taste/Smell Aversions: Birds have a sense called the Trigeminal sense which humans lack. It is something like taste or smell. As it turns out, this sense is very much disturbed and overwhelmed by the scent of a chemical found in concord grapes. There are products which use this chemical, called Methyl Anthranilate (a common flavoring used for candy, gum, soda, and drugs for decades), which you can spray on your land that gives birds a similar sensation to what humans get when exposed to the scent of bleach. It won’t kill the birds, it will just make them want to get away from the source of this feeling.

There are tons of products out there that can help you to reclaim your property. While they are all helpful on their own, they are best used synergistically. If your land offers a lot to the birds they are going to need a lot of motivation to leave and try to find a replacement home. They will be willing to put up with some abuse. If you take an approach that addresses more than one of their senses they will be much less enamored with the home they’ve made on your property—and much more likely to leave you in peace to enjoy your upcoming spring season.