As a backyard poultry owner, it’s essential to be aware of bird flu (avian influenza), a viral disease that can affect both wild and domestic birds.

In this article, we’ll discuss the facts about bird flu, how it spreads, and how to protect your poultry.

What Is Bird Flu? Bird flu is caused by the avian influenza virus and can affect all types of birds, including chickens, ducks, turkey. There are two main types: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI),which is milder, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which can cause severe illness and death in poultry.

How Does Bird Flu Spread? Bird flu spreads through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated equipment, droppings, or secretions. It can also spread through the air or by humans carrying the virus on their clothes or tools. Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are common carriers.

Signs of Bird Flu in Chickens Bird flu can cause sudden death or symptoms such as:

• Swelling of the head or neck
• Respiratory distress (coughing, sneezing)
• Decreased egg production
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite or lethargy

If you spot these signs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How Bird Flu Affects Your Flock:  HPAI can cause mass death in poultry and may result in authorities culling infected birds. LPAI strains can reduce egg production and overall flock health. Outbreaks may lead to movement restrictions and significant economic losses.

How to Protect Your Flock

1. Limit Exposure to Wild Birds: Keep your flock in a secure area to avoid contact with wild birds, which can carry the virus.
2. Practice Biosecurity: Clean and disinfect equipment, practice strict hygiene when handling your birds, avoid visiting someone else’s property with birds and wearing the same clothing when you are with your own flock to prevent potential cross-contamination.
3. Monitor Your Flock: Regularly check for signs of illness.
4. Isolate New Birds: Quarantine new poultry for at least two weeks to prevent introducing disease.
5. Stay Informed: Follow local reports on bird flu outbreaks and advice from authorities.

If you suspect bird flu in your flock, contact a veterinarian right away and isolate sick birds to prevent the spread. Follow local guidelines for reporting and managing an outbreak. By staying vigilant and practicing good biosecurity, you can protect your chickens, quail, ducks/geese, and turkeys from bird flu and help prevent outbreaks. Stay informed and continue practicing the best care for your poultry to keep them healthy and safe from avian influenza and other threats.  There are links provided below for the most up-to-date information in Florida.  With any questions, please contact you local Extension office.

More resources can be found at these links:

Avian Influenza in Poultry;

https://www.fdacs.gov/Consumer-Resources/Animals/Animal-Diseases/Avian-Influenza;

https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/current-bird-flu-situation-in-poultry.html

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