Understanding avian influenza, transmission methods, including direct contact, contaminated equipment, and airborne spread.

• According to the CDC, it’s natural for Avian Influenza viruses to be among waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Avian Influenza can be transmitted to domestic poultry and other birds.
• Birds are infected with Influenza viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but some species, such as ducks, may not get sick.
• Avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds, and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
• Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as infected birds shed it.

Symptoms and signs of bird flu in poultry.

• Sneezing, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge
• Swelling around the eyes, neck, and head
• Poor appetite
• Watery and green diarrhea
• A sudden increase in bird death
• Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs
• Tremors, drooping wings, circling, twisting of the head and neck, or lack of movement.

Benefits of keeping chickens in urban and suburban settings.

• The need for natural meat and egg
• The pleasure of having farm animals around (maybe used as pets)
• Convenience of having freshly laid eggs

Challenges of keeping chickens in urban and suburban settings

• Predators such as cats and coyotes
• Code enforcement issues
• Dissatisfied neighbors (especially if there is a rooster)
• Disease and veterinarian costs (birds often sacrifice at vet office)
• Most of the time, it is more costly than thought.
• Chicken owners often do not check local regulations before starting their backyard chicken project.

Local regulations

• It is always a good idea to consult with your local county or city regulations before starting a backyard chicken.
• Every county/municipality may have different regulations
• For instance, residents of Port St. Lucie are not allowed to have chickens, while residents of unincorporated St Lucie are allowed to have five chickens but no rooster.

Best practices for biosecurity to prevent bird flu in backyard flocks

• Restrict access to your property and birds
• Do not interact with wild ducks or geese
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds
• Monitor your bird’s health
• Acquire feed from a trusted source and secure feed from wild birds
• Keep out free-roaming birds
• Keep away non-caretakers from birds
• Do not invite other bird owners to your property
• Keep out game birds and migratory fowl.
• Wear clean clothes, scrub shoes with disinfectants, and wash hands thoroughly before entering the bird area.
• Clean cages and change food and water daily
• Clean and disinfect equipment that comes in contact with birds/droppings
• Dispose of dead birds properly
• Quarantine birds that have been to shows or exhibitions for at least 2 weeks post-event
• Quarantine new birds from the flock for at least 30 days
• Try not to share farm and garden equipment, tools, and poultry supplies with neighbors
• If you must share equipment, clean and disinfect it thoroughly before taking it on your property.

Steps to take if bird flu is suspected in your flock.

• Report unusual sick birds or die-offs to FDACS Division of Animal Industry at 850-410-0900 after hours: 1800-342-5869 or email rad@fdacs.gov
• Early detection is essential to prevent disease spread
• Do not delay
• Call your local vet

Impacts on economy and consequences.

• Bird owners cull sick birds, which costs them large sums of money to care for.
• Large farms will suspend egg production
• Increase egg price
• Reduce egg production
• Consumers lose confidence in eating poultry products.

Reliable sources of information and how to stay informed.

• Contact FDACS Division of Animal Industry at 850-410-0900
• Visit FDACS.gov/avian/influenza
• http://poultrybiosecurity.org
• myFWC.com/bird

This document was compiled by Grantly Ricketts, UF/IFAS Extension Agent in St. Lucie County, who holds a master’s in animal science. Grantly can be reached at 772-462-1660 or by email at gricketts@ufl.edu.

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