SOUNDING OFF: Wild bird feeding may attract illness

I am writing as a concerned citizen about the serious problem we have in Laguna Beach about feeding wild birds. I am calling for an amendment to Municipal Code 6.22.070 (Prohibiting of feeding certain wildlife) to include the prohibition of feeding wild birds. The feeding of wild birds has gone way beyond a pretty “photo op.” Feeding wild birds poses a serious public health threat and is a danger to wild birds as well.

Consider diseases which are indigenous to birds that can be transmitted to human populations. These diseases include avian flu, Newcastle disease, West Nile virus and histoplasmosis.

According to officials at Laguna Beach Animal Control, West Nile virus has been documented in birds in Laguna Beach. Avian (bird) flu, the H5N1 virus, is now a zoonotic disease able to transmit from birds to human beings. The threat from West Nile virus and avian flu is around the corner and Laguna Beach “” an international tourist destination where large and diverse populations congregate in close proximity to one another “” must not be a breeding ground for fatal disease.

According to the County of Orange, Health Care Agency Public Health Epidemiology and Assessment, strict precautions must be taken to reduce the risk for infection from wild birds: “As a general rule, the public should observe wildlife, including wild birds, from a distance. This protects you from possible exposure to pathogens and minimizes disturbance to the animal.”

The irony is that bird feeding is prohibited by county ordinance, and thus is prohibited at Aliso Beach, which is under the jurisdiction of the county. Laguna Beach needs consistency about its public health policy at all its public venues.

It is critical that we put into place public health ordinances before the dangers from bird-borne diseases causes a serious health threat to our community and beyond.

We have a responsibility to our community, especially to young children, elderly adults and immunocompromised individuals who are at the greatest risk of being infected by a zoonotic disease. Laguna Beach “” which has had a history of being sensitive to those infected with HIV “” must take particular precautions to protect this population group.

Finally, for those of us concerned about wildlife, we need to appreciate that Laguna Beach is a “bird sanctuary” and that in respect to wild birds we need to be cognizant that feeding birds causes harm to the birds by interfering with the ecosystem, causes overpopulation of the species and diverts natural migratory patterns. Wild birds do not need human food.

I have written to the City Council about amending the code to prohibit feeding wild birds in Laguna Beach, and I encourage members of the community to do as well.

ALAN BOINUS lives in Laguna Beach.