Anyone looking for definitive advice on the safety of their feeders will be disappointed, however, with at least one bird expert calling it a "controversial topic." Bancroft said people should not feed birds this year, especially near poultry farms, because of the danger of spreading bird flu which is raging around the world. A count by the federal government says100 wild birds have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza so far this year in Nova Scotia. Still, a news release issued at the time said, "Nova Scotians should avoid feeding or handling wild birds and stop using bird feeders to prevent disease spread of avian influenza." The federal Department of the Environment and Climate Change says on its website that using bird feeders is still considered safe.

Source: CBC News November 02, 2022 09:22 UTC