Hello Keith,

This recent answer to a similar question, by our bird expert Elliot Nelson, answers your question, too:

“The last time I looked into this (7/28) the disease in question has not been been found in Michigan to my knowledge. Also it is unknown how the disease transfers and if feeders play a role.

It is not being recommended to take down your feeders at this time. It also seems the illness is becoming less common then it was a month ago. Here is an article on more current findings: https://www.amestrib.com/story/sports/2021/08/12/mystery-bird-illness-cases-decline-cornell-lab-says/<personal data hidden>/

However, it's always a good idea to clean your feeders and the area around you feeders on a regular basis though. Also it's a good idea to keep an eye out for sick birds, and take your feeders down if you find you have sick birds coming too them. Here is some helpful tips on that:https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/how-to-clean-your-bird-feeder/

Sounds like you are regularly cleaning which is great! Fall migration has already begun for some species so feeding the birds this time of year can be very helpful.

Here is a Michigan Specific article on the disease: https://www.mlive.com/news/2021/07/michigan-dnr-monitoring-mysterious-songbird-illness-reported-in-neighboring-states.html

Here is info on reporting sick or dead birds to the state of Michigan: https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/0,4610,7-125-48096_48097_71772_71775-141320--,00.html

Closed by Elliot Nelson with status of Closed 08/13/2021 3:14 PM”

If you have more questions after reviewing these links please reply here.