Bird-feeding restriction includes garden birds - DEFA

People are asked not to feed any wild birds - including garden birds. That's the latest from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture after a local charity asked for clarification.

'Manx Bird Life' asked if the temporary measure applied solely to domestic and waterbirds (ducks, geese, gulls etc) or included the likes of garden birds, feeding stations and 'town pigeons'.

In response, DEFA said the restriction does includes garden bird stations and town pigeons.

The department says feeding them encourages birds to congregate and mix, which then increases the risk of them passing the virus onto each other.

DEFA are currently asking people not to feed any wild birds, including garden birds/ garden bird stations and “town pigeons” as it encourages birds to congregate and mix, which then increases the risk of them passing the virus onto each other.

— Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (@iomdefa) January 20, 2022

People are being asked NOT to feed wild birds in the Isle of Man after a case of avian influenza was confirmed on Sunday.

This temporary measure is important as encouraging birds to congregate and mix increases the risk of them passing the virus to each other. pic.twitter.com/gShn3oPzCW

— Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (@iomdefa) January 19, 2022