B.C. bird watcher’s ‘face feeder’ viral videos prompt caution from public health officials

An Abbotsford woman’s bird feeding videos are garnering millions of views online, but while the videos are going viral – public health experts are urging caution as Avian influenza still poses a risk to the region.

Self-described bird-nerd Michelle Lefebvre’s videos on TikTok depict birds eating out of a disposable plate she attaches to her sunglasses. She said she came up with the idea after watching video creator, @birdladydrin.

“l get pure enjoyment,” she said. “I absolutely love it.”

Lefebvre said the twenty minute sessions she spends on her patio attracting birds, help with her mental health.

“It’s just about resetting yourself and reconnecting with nature,” she said.

One of her videos, posted in December, has amassed over 21 million views and has one million likes.

“When I first posted it, I never thought in a million years that it would go viral,” she said, adding how reaction has been mixed.

“It’s been more of a positive reaction than concern of the bird flu.” she said.

B.C. teen infected

In November, a B.C. teenager became infected with Canada's first human case of H5N1 avian influenza. She was transferred out of intensive care and taken off supplemental oxygen in December.

https://bc.ctvnews.ca/b-c-teen-with-canada-s-first-human-case-of-avian-flu-no-longer-in-icu-1.7162350

Dr. Erin Fraser, a public health veterinarian with the BC Centre for Disease Control, said the influenza has been circulating in the wild bird population for the last four years.

“This is the largest global epizootic, which is essentially an epidemic in animals that we’ve ever seen,” she said.

Fraser added that while bird watching can provide a range of benefits, it’s important to do so safely.

“I think taking precautions like observing them [birds] from a distance, not handling them directly, and certainly not hand-feeding them,” she said.

Lefebvre told CTV News she’s aware of the severity of the virus and takes safety measures when making her videos.

“I like to think that I’m protecting myself because I’m putting a blanket on and covering my whole skin,” she said. “The plate and the glasses are sanitized. The plate is thrown away and I use a new one afterwards. I’m never reusing the same stuff.”

Bird feeder reminders

The BC SPCA said there’s risk of disease transmission whether you utilize a bird feeder on your face, or in your backyard.

Nadia Xenakis, a specialist in wild animal welfare, with the organization, said bird feeders can spread diseases such as avian flu, salmonella and conjunctivitis. She said that's why it’s crucial for people to clean their bird feeders weekly.

“If you’re not willing to take it down weekly and do a thorough clean, it might be easier to have a bush that provides natural food sources for birds,” she said.

Xenakis added, instead of a bird feeder, the BC SPCA recommends attracting birds to your yard naturally by planting trees and shrubs.

“We’re just all about minimizing the risk of harm, and to minimize the most risk is to use natural attractants, so water sources and natural food from trees providing shelter,” she said.

B.C.'s Ministry of Health advises anyone who has been exposed to sick or dead animals, or who works on a farm where avian influenza has been detected, to watch for flu-like symptoms. If those symptoms develop within 10 days of exposure, officials recommend telling a health-care provider.