Backyard flocks include domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail and guinea fowl. These birds are highly susceptible to bird flu. Backyard flock owners should learn about bird flu and take steps to protect their birds, themselves and their families.
Signs of Bird Flu in Domestic Birds
Signs of bird flu in domestic birds include decreased eating or drinking, reduced egg production, discharge from the eyes or nasal openings, and ruffled feathers. For a complete list of symptoms, see WSDA’s Avian Influenza.
Bird flu can be fatal in domestic birds and may kill them within a few days of infection. When it spreads within a flock, it can cause multiple deaths in a short period of time.
Protect Your Flock
Protect your flock by keeping them away from wild animals and their environments.
Additional resources:
If You Suspect Bird Flu in Your Flock
- Contact your veterinarian.
- Report unusual death or illness in your flock to the WSDA Avian Health Program by calling 1-800-606-3056 or filling out the Domestic Sick Bird Reporting Form. Follow WSDA instructions before disposing of your birds.
Track Bird Flu Detections
Track national bird flu detections in domestic birds at USDA's Detection of Avian Influenza.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
People can become sick with bird flu through contact with infected birds or other animals. The virus spreads through the saliva, mucus, and feces of infected animals. Most human bird flu infections have occurred after close, prolonged, and unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. See CDC's handout How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People (PDF).
Symptoms in People
Symptoms of bird flu in people include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, eye redness or irritation, muscle or body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe respiratory disease. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bird flu, contact your healthcare provider or your local health jurisdiction.
Personal Protective Equipment
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling sick or dead birds or working in their environment. This includes disposable gloves, safety goggles (unvented or indirectly vented), a NIOSH-approved respirator rated N95 or greater, and rubber boots. See CDC's Identifying NIOSH Approved Respirators. Additional PPE like disposable fluid-resistant coveralls, boot covers, and disposable head or hair covers are also recommended for higher risk exposures.
Disposing of a Dead Animal
- If you have contacted WSDA, follow their instructions before and during disposal.
- Put on PPE.
- Pick up the carcass with an inside-out plastic bag or a shovel.
- Place carcass in a second plastic bag and throw it away in a sealing trash can.
- Disinfect contaminated tools and hard surfaces such as feeding and watering containers with a disinfectant such as 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or a benzalkonium chloride–based commercial disinfectant (for example, Lysol or a similar product).
- Saturate the surface and allow the disinfectant to sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Then wipe it away with a disposable cloth or paper towel.
- Dispose of used cloths or towels in a sealed trash can.
Removing PPE and Disinfecting
After handling sick or dead animals or working in their environment, carefully remove PPE, and throw away disposable PPE. Clean and disinfect tools and reusable PPE, such as goggles and rubber boots. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Launder clothing immediately.