Knowledgebase

Bird feeders and avian diseases #927973

Asked April 10, 2026, 8:25 AM EDT

There are recommendations in the UK to take down bird feeders over the summer to slow the spread of avian diseases. Are there any similar concerns in Maryland? Thanks! https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/10/rspb-bird-feeders-nuts-seeds-summer-parasitic-avian-disease

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Wild bird health is beyond the scope of our expertise, but in general, it's always best to feed birds "naturally" (that is, with bird-supporting plants and landscaping rather than putting out seed feeders) and to maintain very clean feeders to reduce the risk of disease transmission between birds. Since bird feeders concentrate birds more than plant and insect food sources would, yes, the risk of disease issues is going to be greater with their use.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 10, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT

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