Bird flu circulates among wild birds worldwide. When domestic birds encounter the virus that causes bird flu, it can cause mild symptoms. Some strains, referred to as highly pathogenic avian influenza, can cause severe symptoms and death. Since last January, HPAI has been detected in nearly every U.S. state.
Source: University of Florida Extension, September 23, 2022. Link. Protect your poultry flock from bird flu by taking the following precautions:
- Practice good biosecurity. Keep wild birds away from your flock. This includes feathers and feces of wild birds.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before and after before coming into contact with poultry. If you don’t have immediate access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer.
- Clean and disinfect your poultry equipment before and after use.
INSIGHTS: There are three more practical tips for poultry owners in the full article, including how to report sick birds.
Also see: Avian influenza response approaches… does one size really fit all? Worms and Germs, September 22, 2022. Link. Scott Weese, DVM, thinks it’s time to implement some risk assessment-based approaches to control of this virus in some unique collections of captive birds.
. . . given how widespread this virus now is in the wild bird population in North America, and the wide variety of captive birds that can be affected, <maybe> a one-size-fits-all approach could perhaps cause more harm than good in some situations . . .” Scott Weese, DVM