Avian influenza is a viral disease that affects domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese and more. The virus spreads through wild migratory birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is particularly devastating because it is rapidly fatal for poultry.
While wild birds often carry the virus without harm, some strains can cause mortalities in wild bird populations as well, making it especially concerning for backyard poultry owners.
How to Protect Your Flock from Avian Influenza
You can protect your flock by implementing and closely following a biosecurity plan. Biosecurity literally means “life-protection” and is a set of processes designed to protect the life of your flock from infectious diseases like HPAI.
In cases of disease outbreaks, it is important to review measures you are already taking and add additional measures even if only temporarily during periods of high risk.
Here are some practical steps to protect your flock:
1. Avoid Contact with Wild Birds
My number one recommendation is to put your flock in lockdown. Keeping them inside their coop and restricting outdoor access will reduce exposure to wild birds, which are the primary carriers of the virus. While this may not be feasible for all small flock owners, do everything you can to minimize contact during the migratory season.
2. Avoid Attracting Wild Birds
Cover or enclose any outdoor feeding areas for poultry.
Keep your flock indoors, even if they typically free-range.
Clean up any feed spills immediately and thoroughly to avoid attracting wild birds.
Avoid visiting ponds or streams where wild birds may congregate, as the virus can be tracked back via footwear, pets, or children.
Eliminate standing water on your property that might attract migratory birds.
3. Halt Travel to Sales, Shows and Swaps
To reduce the risk of exposure to HPAI, avoid traveling with your birds to poultry sales, shows or swaps.
If you must travel with your birds, follow these precautions:
Sanitize your hands, clothes and footwear before handling your birds.
Quarantine any birds that travel for 30 days before reintroducing them to the flock.
Avoid allowing others to handle your birds at events.
4. Limit Visitors to Your Flock
It’s highly recommended to avoid allowing visitors to interact with your flock during this time. If someone must visit:
Ensure they have clean clothes and sanitized footwear.
Ask about their recent contact with other birds.
Encourage visitors to shower and change clothes before entering your premises.
5. Review Your Cleaning Protocols
Biosecurity measures include maintaining cleanliness in and around your flock.
Use dedicated clothing and footwear when working with your flock.
Clean and disinfect any equipment that comes into contact with your birds.
Regularly clean and disinfect poultry housing, tools and feeding equipment.
6. Avoid Bringing Disease Home
If you’re adding new birds to your flock, quarantine them for at least 30 days before introducing them to your current flock. Keep them in a separate location with separate airspace to prevent cross-contamination. Always interact with your clean flock before handling quarantined birds.
7. Avoid Spreading Disease Between Neighbors
It’s best to avoid sharing equipment or allowing neighbors’ birds to come into contact with your flock. Limit visits from fellow poultry keepers and if they must visit, follow strict biosecurity measures.
Signs of Avian Influenza in Chickens
HPAI is extremely transmissible and often fatal. Early detection is crucial to limit the spread to other flocks. The most common sign is sudden death.
Other signs to watch for include:
Drastic decrease in water consumption.
Extreme lethargy and quietness.
Difficulty breathing.
Swelling or purple discoloration of the head, comb, or wattles.
Decrease in egg production.
If you notice these symptoms or sudden deaths in your flock, contact your veterinarian immediately.
How You Can Help Prevent HPAI
Preventing HPAI is the best way to keep your flock healthy. Implementing a biosecurity plan and following the steps outlined in this post are the first steps to decrease risk and protect your flock. For more information, please reference the resources below or reach out to your veterinarian or state animal health agency.
Resources
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