Authors: Brittany Justesen & Jessica Sullivan, UF IFAS Extension –  Osceola County

Backyard poultry flocks have become more common in recent years, and small flock owners should be aware of how to prevent illness in their flocks and what to do if birds become sick or die.

Avian influenza

The first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Florida occurred recently in a backyard poultry flock in Central Florida. While this incident was presumed contained without any expected threat to agriculture or human health, it serves as a reminder to bird owners to pay attention to the health of their birds.

Avian influenza is a virus that can affect many species of domesticated and wild birds, including chickens, turkeys, quail, ducks, guinea fowl, peafowl, and seagulls. Some birds infected with the virus do not show symptoms, while some birds become ill or die from the virus.

Avian influenza is classified as low pathogenic or highly pathogenic. Within each of these types, there are many strains of avian flu virus. Some highly pathogenic strains evolve from milder strains. The avian influenza virus can quickly mutate when it spreads from chicken to chicken.

Highly pathogenic avian flu spreads very quickly and the current nationwide outbreak is having devastating impacts on the commercial poultry industry. Over 40million domesticated birds have been affected by highly pathogenic avian flu this year, poultry quarantine areas have been put in place in some locations, and international trade bans have occurred. The virus continues to spread throughout the Country.

Backyard chicken flocks have an increased risk of exposure to avian influenza because of their potential contact with wild birds and other poultry.

Avian influenza symptoms

Symptoms of the virus can vary greatly, depending on age and species of poultry affected, health, and the virus strain. Symptoms may include:

• Ruffled feathers
• Soft-shelled or deformed eggs
• Depression and droopiness
• Sudden drop in egg production
• Loss of appetite
• Purplish-blue wattles, comb or legs
• Swelling of head, eyelids, comb, wattles, or legs
• Diarrhea
• Blood-tinged discharge from nostrils
• Incoordination, including loss of ability to walk and stand
• Bloody wounds on feet
• Respiratory distress
• Death, sometimes very suddenly, or without exhibiting prior symptoms.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza is a reportable disease. If domestic or wild birds are exhibiting the symptoms above, contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:  During office hours: 850-410-0900 or 850-410-0915 or rad@fdacs.gov/. After hours: 800-342-5869.

Risks to people and other animals

It is uncommon for avian influenza viruses to infect mammals, including humans. Even during an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian flu, the likelihood of humans contracting the virus from birds is low. The people at the highest risk are those who work closely with commercial poultry. Humans, however, can easily spread the virus from infected birds or bird facilities on clothes, equipment or vehicles.

In the commercial poultry industry, flocks are routinely tested for avian flu and if the virus is found, none of the birds are allowed to enter the food supply. Avian flu virus is not considered a food safety risk, as the virus is destroyed by heat and cannot be transmitted through meat or eggs cooked to 165°F.

Avian influenza prevention

There are no treatments or vaccines for avian influenza in poultry; infection can only be prevented. Biosecurity is a set of management practices that are used to prevent the introduction and spread of disease in your flock. Developing and implementing a biosecurity plan is an essential part of maintaining healthy birds. Here are some practices that small flock owners can use to keep their flocks healthy:

• Prevent direct or indirect contact between domestic poultry and wild birds, especially near water bodies. Don’t feed wild birds near domestic poultry areas.
• When purchasing poultry, only buy from breeders or hatcheries that participate in the National Poultry Improvement Plan. This ensures that flocks are tested for major diseases.
• Isolate new or returning birds from your flock for 30 days.
• Have a pair of washable, plastic boots that are only used in poultry areas and not worn in the house, other farm areas or off the farm without washing and sanitizing.
• Use a disinfectant footbath at each entrance and exit of bird habitat. A scrub brush is a great tool to have on hand to clean debris and manure from tread of foot wear.
• Clean and disinfect any tools and equipment used in poultry area before and after each use.
• Hunters handling wild game, like turkeys and ducks, should change clothes and shoes completely before entering domestic poultry areas or handling poultry.
• Rodents can spread viruses from infected bird areas to uninfected bird areas. Prevent rodents by storing bird food in metal containers, and removing food or closing poultry feeders at night.
• Eggshell surfaces can be contaminated with the influenza virus and can spread the virus. For this reason, eggs that will be distributed off the farm should be washed and sanitized. Don’t reuse egg cartons unless they are plastic that can be completely washed and sanitized.
• Biosecurity on farms with agritourism activities requires special consideration. Use signage to restrict access to poultry areas and inform visitors of your biosecurity measures.
• Keep good personal hygiene, like washing your hands after working with poultry. Good personal hygiene can help keep both you and your flock healthy.

Poultry owners are the first line of defense in identifying outbreaks of avian influenza, protecting agriculture and our food supply. Contact the UF IFAS Extension in Osceola County for assistance with biosecurity plans, chicken-keeping classes and information: 321-697-3000.

0