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https://theconversation.com/backyard-bird-feeding-could-be-a-bird-flu-superspreader-an-expert-explains-290317>
"Backyard bird feeding is one of our country’s most popular pastimes. Research
reveals about half of Australian households feed wild birds, with many people
doing so daily.
However, this practice could act as a superspreader event – where a disease
infects an unusually high number of people or animals – of the H5N1 virus. This
deadly strain of bird flu has already decimated wild bird and mammal
populations worldwide. It is now spreading across Australia, most recently
killing more than 1,000 crested terns and a long-nosed fur seal, the first
detection in a mainland mammal.
Although many Australians feed wild birds, the practice is controversial. This
is mainly due to concerns about people offering unsuitable foods and birds
becoming dependent on humans.
So why is backyard bird feeding such a problem when it comes to bird flu? And
can we do it safely?"
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
