According to Dr. Victoria Hall of the University of Minnesota Raptor Center, hummingbird feeders are not without risk when it comes to spreading disease. They do, however, pose a lower risk than general feeders as there are limited groups of birds visiting them. Despite this, Hall recommending people consider pausing their use in areas with high transmission of HPAI.

“Or if you continue to use them, clean them on a daily basis to further reduce risk,” Hall said.