Avian Influenza & Backyard Chickens
Avian Influenza & Backyard Chickens
Keeping your flock safe
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), also sometimes called “bird flu,” is a viral disease caused by influenza type A viruses in poultry and other birds. HPAI is a serious risk to backyard chickens, leading to illness and likely death in birds that contract the disease.
Following basic biosecurity practices, providing good nutrition and staying informed on the latest information from official sources can help keep your flock happy and healthy while you continue to enjoy fresh eggs and the companionship that enriches your life.
Protecting your Backyard Flock from HPAI with a Biosecurity Plan
Limiting the exposure of your flock to other birds and outside animals is important to maintaining a safe living environment. Biosecurity, or practices that help protect animals and humans from harmful diseases, starts with creating a plan for your backyard.
Developing your backyard biosecurity plan can help protect your birds from getting sick and help them live happy, healthy lives. Implementing these steps into your daily routine can help you worry less and enjoy your feathered friends more.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling birds, eggs or chicken supplies. Sanitize feeders, waterers and other equipment weekly.
Buy birds from reputable sources and quarantine them for at least 30 days in a separate enclosure with dedicated feeders and waterers
Reduce the flock’s exposure to other bird owners. Don’t share poultry equipment and be sure to change clothes and shoes after visiting another flock.
Feeding Your Flock a Nutrient-Rich Diet
A strong immune system is a chicken’s best defense against any disease challenges. When your birds get the right nutrients, their immune systems stay strong, helping them bounce back faster from illness and stay happy and healthy.
When a bird is stressed, their body is more susceptible to disease. A nutrient deficiency also creates dietary stress, which means the bird's bodily functions are not operating efficiently. Keep stress low and help improve immune function by supplementing the diet with needed vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, D3 and E, plus amino acids and trace minerals, are essential to a strong immune system.
So, continue providing balanced, high-quality nutrition – your chickens will thank you with happy clucks and plenty of eggs!
Avian Influenza Resources for Backyard Chicken Raisers
With so much information available, it can be overwhelming to sort through the clutter. Relying on information provided by trusted government and industry sources can help guide you as you work to limit the health risks to your animals and your family.
Use these resources to stay in the know:
United States Department of Agriculture: Avian influenza overview, signs to look for, prevention tips and treatment information.
- Center for Disease Control: Safety measures, information about human contact with infected birds, ongoing outbreak data and government response information.
- American Veterinary Medical Association: Poultry biosecurity and welfare information.
- World Health Organization: Animal influenza overview, signs, treatment and fact sheets.
- Check out your state Department of Agriculture for state-specific resources and information.