
Bird flu virus is a common concern among poultry keepers, as this deadly disease can wipe out an entire flock in a 24-hour period. Learn what symptoms to look for, how this disease is spread, if this disease is transmittable to you, and much more.
What is the Bird Flu Virus?
Often referred to as avian influenza, the bird flu virus is often present in the U.S. but is usually only found in a few wild birds and waterfowl, not spreading from flock to flock. However, every several years, the bird flu virus flares up, threatening backyard flocks and commercial farms and affecting wild birds and waterfowl.
How is Bird Flu Spread?
The bird flu virus is spread from bird to bird, either from direct contact with each other or by consuming contaminated water or feed.
This highly contagious disease can also be transmitted to your flock from manure tracked in on your shoes (courtesy of wild waterfowl or other domesticated flocks) or can be picked up at poultry shows, swap meets, or even from visiting your best friend’s coop.
11 Common Symptoms of Avian Influenza
Knowing the signs and symptoms of the bird flu virus is necessary for a correct diagnosis. Eleven common symptoms include the following:
1. Unusual or involuntary movements
2. Circling behaviors
3. Deformation of the neck
4. Lack of interest in food or water
5. Blindness
6. Diarrhea
7. Nasal or eye discharge
8. Sudden death soon after symptoms appear
9. Multiple deaths in the flock
10. Swelling around heads, necks, and eyes
11. Purple-colored legs and feet
Note: The symptoms of the bird flu virus are often the same as those of other common poultry diseases. Just because your flock may be experiencing some of these symptoms does not necessarily mean they have the bird flu. If your flock experiences these symptoms, contact your local or state veterinarian to see if the bird flu virus is a possibility in your flock.
Can I Get the Bird Flu Virus?
Can I get the bird flu virus, is a commonly asked question. In rare cases, humans can contract the bird flu virus, but it doesn’t usually happen. The good news is this disease is not deadly in humans, with symptoms being similar to other human flu symptoms, such as muscle cramps, fever, coughing, etc.
Individuals who work with or have come into contact with sick poultry are more likely to contract the bird flu virus. If you need to be around sick birds, wear a mask to help protect yourself. If you have come into contact with the disease, follow all of the safety and cleaning guidelines laid out by the state vet and your family doctor to prevent it from spreading.
Following good hygiene, such as washing your hands for twenty seconds (the amount of time it takes to sing happy birthday twice) after handling poultry, poultry equipment, or cleaning the coop, will help keep you and your family healthy and safe.
Can Livestock Be Affected By the Bird Flu?
While it is not very common, some livestock, such as cattle, can contract bird flu. Keeping your herds and other livestock healthy and their immune systems strong is the best way to prevent them from contracting this disease.
Practice good biosecurity, feed nutrient-rich, species-specific, vegetarian-based feed, and clean barnyards and stalls frequently to prevent the spreading of disease.
Keeping wild birds out of pastures and barns can be challenging, if not impossible, so your best bet is practicing good husbandry.
Are Household Pets At Risk for the Bird Flu?
Household pets are not usually at risk of contracting bird flu but if your dog or cat consumes a contaminated bird, they can become ill.
Protect your four-footed family members by never allowing them to roam around outside unsupervised. If your dog or cat does consume a bird, keep an eye on them for signs of illness and call your vet immediately if they become sick.
Just like outdoor birds and poultry, house birds can be at risk of contracting the bird flu virus. Protect your parrots and other house birds by removing outdoor shoes before entering the house and changing your clothes after handling your poultry.
How Can Waterfowl Hunters Stay Safe?
Wild waterfowl are known for carrying the virus without appearing sick, so waterfowl hunters should use extra caution, especially if they have backyard poultry at home.
Before setting out on a hunt, do some research to see if the bird flu virus has been seen in your area. If cases have been reported near you are hunting, protect yourself and your flock and stay home.
If cases haven’t been reported close by, wear separate shoes and clothing for hunts. If possible, change footwear and outdoor wear before returning home to avoid spreading the bird flu virus and other diseases. Never wear hunting gear or shoes when in contact with your flock.
Waterfowl hunting is never complete without your faithful canine by your side. When hunting with your dog, be sure to avoid having him retrieve deceased birds who were not shot or obviously sick birds to keep your canine safe and healthy.
For complete guidelines on how you can protect yourself, your hunting dogs, and poultry flocks while hunting, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/fsc_hpai_hunters.pdf and https://www.ducks.org/conservation/waterfowl-research-science/waterfowl-hunters-and-the-avian-flu-what-you-need-to-know
Learning about avian influenza, including the signs and symptoms, is necessary to protect your flock and avoid the spreading of this deadly disease. But with proper care, good husbandry, and practicing biosecurity, the bird flu virus should not pose a threat to your backyard flock.
This article about bird flu was written for Chickens magazine. Click here to subscribe.