Biologists advise cleaning feeders to prevent spread of disease among birds
Texas Parks and Wildlife is asking that bird feeders be regularly cleaned to help stop the spread of disease. (Source: Lucas Bobay Cornell Lab)
By KLTV Digital Media Staff | March 8, 2021 at 11:29 AM CST - Updated March 9 at 2:46 AM
AUSTIN, Texas – With spring around the corner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) biologists are asking residents with bird feeders to routinely clean them, and the areas surrounding them, in order to help slow the spread of potentially deadly diseases among bird species.
Seeds and seed hulls that accumulate on feeder trays and on the ground below feeders can become moldy or start decomposing, especially after heavy use or wet weather, and can make birds sick. Bird droppings, and other contaminants around and on feeders can spread infectious bird diseases.