Experts say wild birds are playing a much larger role in spreading avian flu than in 2015, because poultry production facilities since then have put biosecurity measures in place. So should Minnesotans take in their birdfeeders? State Veterinarian, Doctor Beth Thompson advises, “Certainly if you’ve got a lot of waterfowl in your yard and you have bird feeders, maybe it’s not a good idea to put them out.”
But are *songbirds* spreading avian flu? Dr. Thompson says, “The research really isn’t in on the songbirds. We haven’t seen the good research that they are being affected, so stay tuned for that.”
Thompson notes that raptors such as eagles, hawks and owls *are* being affected by avian flu.