Beyond being a nuisance, the wild birds could pose a health risk
Wild chickens remain a widespread problem across the island, and with no signs of easing, the Government is reinforcing its message today.
A Ministry of Public Works & Environment spokesperson warned: “The unchecked growth of Bermuda’s feral chicken population is a serious issue that affects our farmers, our environment, and even our public health.”
To curb the numbers, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is ramping up targeted trapping and removal programs.
The birds have long been a nuisance – damaging crops and threatening local food security. But now, a bigger concern is emerging, with the Ministry stating that the global outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, also known as, ‘bird flu’, presents a major risk.
The Ministry spokesperson explained: “Migratory birds could introduce avian flu to Bermuda, and the uncontrolled feral chicken population could serve as a reservoir for the virus.”
While the risk to the public is low, individuals who work with poultry, are immunocompromised, or handle birds are at higher risk.”
In response, the Government is urging the public not to feed feral chickens or pigeons, not to tamper with traps and not to abandon unwanted chickens.
Residents are also encouraged to secure backyard poultry, dispose of food waste properly, and report large feral chicken populations to the DENR.
The spokesperson concluded: “The Government is committed to addressing this problem, but we cannot do it alone. We are ramping up our efforts, and we ask the public to support these measures to help restore balance to our environment.”
