Cases of bird flu (or HPAI, highly pathogenic avian influenza) have been found in backyard poultry flocks in Oregon and Washington.
Backyard chicken and other poultry owners should take special care to keep their birds safe. People should also avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
Bird flu is highly contagious and often fatal for domestic birds. It usually spreads by direct contact between birds, but can also spread from contaminated equipment.
Protect Your Flock
People can spread the virus to other birds by accident. To protect your flock:
- Keep rodents and wild birds out of enclosures
- Keep all enclosures and equipment clean and disinfected
- Always wash your hands before and after handling birds
- Wear dedicated “coop” shoes or boot covers around your birds
- Make sure that nothing gets tracked out of your coop
- Double-bag manure before disposal
Signs of Bird Flu in Poultry
- Birds that die suddenly
- Low energy and appetite
- Swollen combs, wattles, eyes, neck, and legs or feet
- Stumbling or falling down
- Difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, coughing or sneezing
If A Bird Gets Sick
It’s important to quarantine the bird right away and call a vet to test it for bird flu. Avoid handling the bird as much as possible.
If a bird is infected, you may need to take extra steps to protect the health of your flock and wild birds. Discuss options with your vet.
Report sick or dead birds to the Oregon State Veterinarian, 503-986-4711.
Am I at Risk?
The risk of bird flu spreading to people is very low, but some serious cases have been reported.
It can also spread to other animals through contact (dairy cattle and pigs) or by eating an infected bird (cats and predatory birds).
Other domestic birds like turkey, geese, peacock and quail can also get bird flu.
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