What to know
Backyard bird flocks can be exposed to wild birds that have bird flu and get infected with avian influenza viruses as a result. Poultry can get very sick from bird flu and usually die from their infection. As a result, owners whose flocks become infected and who are exposed to their sick birds would be at higher risk of getting bird flu. Learn more about your risk and actions you can take to protect your flock and to protect your health in the event your flock becomes infected.
Overview
Whether you are just getting started or are a seasoned backyard poultry owner, you should know the risks of keeping poultry. Poultry are domesticated birds often kept for producing eggs or meat, such as chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, and turkeys. Keeping backyard poultry is becoming more popular and can be fun and educational. However, owners should be aware that poultry can sometimes carry harmful germs, including avian influenza A viruses, that can make people sick. Take steps to protect yourself and your flock.
Signs of sick poultry
Sick poultry can:
- Eat or drink less than normal.
- Have ruffled feathers.
- Have runny diarrhea.
- Have discharge from the eyes or nose or difficulty breathing.
- Produce fewer eggs than normal.
- Produce discolored, irregular, or misshapen eggs.
- Die unexpectedly of no apparent cause.
Your veterinarian or local extension agent can work with you to determine the cause of the illness. They can also give advice on how to keep it from spreading.
If your birds are showing signs of bird flu, CDC has recommendations for personal protective equipment that you should wear when in contact with infected birds at Backyard Flock Owners: Protect Yourself from Bird Flu | Bird Flu | CDC.
Steps to protect yourself
Take the following actions to protect yourself:
- Don't touch sick or dead birds, their feces or litter, or any surface or water source that might be contaminated with their saliva, feces, or any other bodily fluids without wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Wash your hands with soap and running water after handling backyard poultry or any surface where they live and roam. (Adults should supervise handwashing for young children.) Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available.
- Don't let backyard poultry inside the house, especially in areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, or stored.
- Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry. This includes cages or food and water containers.
If your backyard flock has bird flu, CDC has additional information about cleaning and disinfecting, depopulation of infected birds, and additional steps to protect yourself, including recommendations for personal protective equipment (PPE) at Backyard Flock Owners: Protect Yourself from Bird Flu | Bird Flu | CDC.
Protecting your flock is important
Work closely with a veterinarian or local extension agent who has experience with poultry for routine evaluation. They can help you keep your flock healthy and prevent diseases. If they do not see poultry, they can refer you to a qualified veterinarian in your area who does.
Take the following actions to protect your flock:·
- Learn how to properly care for your poultry before you acquire them. Ask your veterinarian or local cooperative extension agent about the best food and care. They can also provide recommendations on the proper enclosure or environment for the poultry you are selecting.
- Build a coop for your poultry outside your home. Backyard poultry need a sturdy environment to protect them from animals that spread disease such as insects and rodents or wild birds. It also will provide shelter from the weather and predators.
- Always take care of your existing flock before caring for your new poultry. Contact your veterinarian or local extension agent if you notice any signs of illness in your poultry.