Headlines warn of the bird flu (Avian influenza) in wild birds, domestic poultry, and other animals. Wondering what you can do to protect your backyard chickens? Should birders be worried? Here is what we currently know, including essential tips for helping our flocks of feathered friends.

Bird Flu: What We Know

The Avian influenza is a viral infection commonly found in birds. Depending on the strain, symptoms include: respiratory problems, fever, loss of appetite, diarrhea, weakness, and death.

• Different strains of the bird flu were identified as early as the 1950s.
• The first (very few) human cases were recorded in 1997.
• Mutations of the current strain of bird flu (H5N1) are concerning as they happen so quickly.
• There have been fewer than 100 cases of bird flu in humans recorded in the United States. But this highly pathogenic, fast-mutating disease is showing up in outbreaks all over the world.
• It is essential that we each do our part to prevent the spread, to minimize the risk of a new mutation that could pass to additional animals and humans.
• At this time, no person-to-person infections have been documented.

Why Are Birds So Easily Infected?

Bird flu is spread through the feces of infected birds as well as other animals feeding on birds that have died of the disease.

The most vulnerable birds—waterfowl, pigeons, chickens, turkeys, quail, etc.—are highly social and gather in tremendous flocks, both wild and domestic. When so many birds are grouped together, one sick bird has the potential to spread this very fatal illness to many other individuals.

Protecting Birds From Bird Flu

Fortunately, it is easy to safeguard our flocks—whether they are wild visitors, feathered friends at the park, or domestic producers. The key is cleanliness and vigilance—the same as protecting ourselves from the typical strains of seasonal flu we face every year.

For wild birds, there are very easy steps to take to protect them from bird flu and ensure we aren’t transmitting any disease to our domestic birds, pets, or other animals.

• Keep Your Distance – A good pair of binoculars can not only help you see birds better, but can also help you stay well away from any contamination they may present.
• Clean and Sterilize Feeders and Baths – Clean bird feeders and baths 1-2 times per week. Use a weak bleach solution for soaking or rinsing and let them dry completely before refilling, and wipe down poles or perches as well!
• Clean Up Feces – Rake or use a leaf vacuum under feeders to break up and remove feces, hulls, and spilled seed. This will keep birds from foraging in potentially contaminated debris and will help ensure any disease cannot spread.
• Remove Feeders – If there is an outbreak, stop all feeding for 2-3 weeks. This will encourage large flocks to spread out temporarily, lessening contact that can keep spreading the disease.

If you have chickens, turkeys, or ducks, a few extra steps can help keep your poultry safe from bird flu:

• Clean the Coop – Clean out the coop and remove feces regularly, even frequently. Similarly, clean up runs, shelters, shade areas, and feeding areas the poultry have access to.
• Separate the Flock – Do not let domestic poultry roam freely where they could intermingle with wild birds or waterfowl that may be disease carriers. Some separation can help keep bird flu from passing between flocks.
• Clean All Equipment – This includes shoes or work boots, mats, trays, incubators, and more. A good rule of thumb – if it comes into contact with your poultry in any way, clean and sterilize it every single time!
• Avoid Events – When an outbreak is known to be in a region, avoid going to any poultry events until the area is disease-free again. This includes shows, auctions, or other activities where bird flu could easily be spread.

If you do notice an outbreak or any illness in your birds, report the situation to the authorities immediately so large-scale prevention can begin if necessary. Contact the USDA directly by calling 1-866-536-7593. Download this PDF for more information, via Animal and Plant Health Inspectiion Service.

Pets, Humans, and Beyond

The same steps used to protect birds can also protect pets and other animals. Thus far, several types of wild and domestic cats have had recorded cases of bird flu, and dogs may also be vulnerable. There are also reports of infections in cattle, pigs, goats, alpacas, ferrets, mink, bears, raccoons, foxes, skunks, seals, and dolphins.

These infections are relatively few compared to overall numbers, but they are concerning. Fortunately, the more conscientious we are about cleaning and staying alert to the potential spread of the disease, the less likely that it will rampage through multiple animal populations.

Am I Afraid?

I love to feed my backyard birds, and my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel adores chasing birds on his regular zoomies in the yard. (No, he’s not even close to catching them!) I’m eagerly anticipating the arrival of spring birds and enjoying my winter residents. Several pairs of painted buntings visit my feeders, and a new pair of white-winged doves are making themselves at home nearby. There are chickens in my neighborhood, and friends have generously shared eggs from their backyard flocks.

But no, I’m not afraid of bird flu—though I am alert. Stay on notice, practice good bird-related hygiene, and keep updated on any new developments, and you can enjoy your birds just as much as ever.

Do you have chickens in your backyard?

Are you concerned about bird flu?

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

Melissa Mayntz

Melissa Mayntz is a writer who specializes in birds and birding, though her work spans a wide range—from folklore to healthy living. Her first book, Migration: Exploring the Remarkable Journeys of Birds was published in 2020. Mayntz also writes for National Wildlife Magazine and The Spruce. Find her at MelissaMayntz.com.

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