With bird flu affecting more than 58 million commercial poultry and backyard flocks in the U.S., it’s been a cause for concern for urban and commercial farmers alike. Fortunately, simple, inexpensive practices can be very effective at keeping this serious disease away from your birds.
Now is the time to review your preventative measures to keep your birds healthy, especially if you have a commercial farm or a chicken coop.
Use our complete guide to help you with everything related to bird flu – what it is, how it spreads, how to identify bird flu symptoms in chickens and, most importantly, how to prevent bird flu from getting to your flock.
What Is Bird Flu?
While the bird flu virus has been circulating among birds and poultry in different parts of the world for many years, the deadly strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or H5N1 has been making recent headlines for destroying flocks and raising the price of eggs.
If you’re wondering what’s affecting your flock or destroying commercial poultry across the U.S., the culprit is highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), Also Known As H5N1
Bird flu, also called avian influenza, is harmful to poultry flocks, especially if it’s highly pathogenic (HPAI.) The HPAI or H5N1 virus is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly, especially in domestic poultry.
The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) or H5N1 bird flu we see all over the news was first identified in wild birds in the United States in January 2022, according to the CDC.
Since then, the virus has been detected in infected wild birds in all 50 states and has caused outbreaks in 47 states, affecting millions of commercial poultry and backyard flocks.
How Your Chickens Can Get Sick
Bird flu is spread in two ways:
Human Interaction
Humans may be able to transfer bird flu to chickens if they have recently had contact with an infected bird. In the current contagion of bird flu, it’s best to limit who visits your birds at home. If you need someone to take care of your flock, ask them to wash their hands and wear clean clothes and footwear.
Wild Birds
Wild migratory birds, such as geese and ducks, can become infected with avian influenza and quickly spread it to your flocks. Influenza viruses are common among wild aquatic birds. They can be carriers of the deadly virus without showing any symptoms, despite being infected.
The virus doesn’t need close contact to spread, your chickens could be at risk of catching bird flu when they have access to the same environment as infected birds.
For example, if an infected flock of wild geese shares the same pond as your chickens, your flock could become infected without the two flocks coming into contact.
Be careful your chickens aren’t sharing the same pond or outdoor area as ducks, geese, turkeys or other fowl.
Signs And Symptoms Of Avian Flu In Your Chickens
Warning signs of pathogenic avian influenza viruses vary, but most are sudden and spread quickly. In chickens, HPAI signs often include respiratory (gasping) and digestive (diarrhea) signs followed by rapid death. Lesser known signs and symptoms in your flock could include swelling around the head, neck, and eyes.
Common bird flu symptoms in chickens include:
- Trouble breathing, sneezing, gasping or coughing
- Purple discoloration / cyanosis of the wattles, combs, and legs
- Diarrhea
- Decreased egg production
- Soft-shelled or misshapen eggs
- nervous signs, tremors or lack of coordination
- Swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- Lack of energy and appetite
- Ruffled feathers
- Sudden death
Any one of these symptoms can indicate that you may have infected poultry. Note that HPAI is rapidly fatal for chickens and sudden onset of HPAI and high death rates are common. You may not be aware of other symptoms and infected chickens may die within a day.
If a portion of your flock starts suddenly becoming sick or dying, it’s crucial to take measures to protect your birds.
What Do You Do If You Suspect A Bird Is Sick?
- Have flocks tested
- Isolate flocks that show signs of infection for at least 30 days
- Report bird flu symptoms in poultry to the USDA immediately
The CDC warns that, while the current public health threat to people from H5N1 virus is low, people should avoid direct and close contact with sick or dead wild birds, poultry and wild animals.
Protecting Your Chickens During A Bird Flu Outbreak
One of the top ways to protect your chickens is to avoid attracting wild birds to your farm or residence.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) suggests that given the rise in (HPAI) bird flu in wild birds and domestic poultry in the U.S., “bird owners should review their biosecurity practices and stay vigilant to protect poultry and pet birds from this disease.”
Some of the top ways to ensure your biosecurity and protect your animal health is to:
- Avoid attracting wild birds to your residence
- Cover or enclose any outdoor feeding areas for poultry
- Avoid visiting any ponds or streams, especially with pets
- Consider reducing large puddles and standing water that may be a nice resting place for migratory birds
- Use a deterrent to keep wild birds away from your property
How Avian Control Can Help Protect Chickens From Avian Flu
The most efficient way to consistently and effectively deter wild birds from infecting your chickens is with Avian Control, a non-lethal, long-lasting liquid bird repellent.
Avian Control works faster and lasts longer than other bird repellents. This feedback comes from the people whose opinion matters most – our customers.
Here are the top reasons Avian Control is the best bird deterrent spray for your property:
- Affordability
- 10-14 days of protection
- No damage to the property
- No harm for the wild birds, humans or other animals
- Easy application methods to suit your preferences
Other methods may take time each day to ensure their potential success, but Avian Control can be sprayed just once and it lasts up to 14 days.
Shop today or contact us at 888.868.1982 to talk with one of our experts today.
How To Recognize And Prevent Bird Flu Symptoms In Chickens