Signs of Bird Flu in Domestic Birds
Domestic birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail and guinea fowl, are highly susceptible to bird flu. Early signs of bird flu in domestic poultry include discharge from the eyes or nasal openings, ruffled feathers, decreased eating or drinking, and reduced egg production. For a complete list of symptoms, see WSDA’s bird flu page.
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. If you suspect your flock is affected by bird flu, fill out WSDA's Domestic Sick Bird Reporting Form.
Protect Your Flock
Domestic poultry owners can take steps to help prevent the spread of bird flu and keep their flocks and families healthy. The most effective step is to keep your flock away from wild birds and their environments. Download our handout, How to Prepare for a Healthy Family and Flock (PDF). Visit our Backyard Poultry page for more information on keeping a safe and healthy backyard flock.
For a full list of ways to protect your flock from bird flu, limit spread, and reduce exposure, visit WSDA's bird flu page.
If You Suspect Bird Flu in Your Flock
- Contact your veterinarian to report unusual signs of illness or unexpected death in your flock.
- Report sick or dead domestic birds to the WSDA's Avian Health Program at 1-800-606-3056, or use their Domestic Sick Bird Reporting Form. Follow instructions from WSDA regarding testing prior to disposal of birds.
Track National Bird Flu Detections
Track national bird flu detections in domestic poultry at USDA's Detection of Avian Influenza.
Protect Yourself and Your Family
Most bird flu infections in people have occurred after close, prolonged, and unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces. Backyard flock owners are at increased risk of infection because of their frequent close contact while caring for their birds. See CDC's handout How Infected Backyard Poultry Could Spread Bird Flu to People (PDF).
Backyard flock owners should become familiar with signs of bird flu illness in their flock and symptoms of bird flu in people. If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to bird flu, contact your healthcare provider or your local health jurisdiction.
If you must handle sick or dead birds, or work in their environment, wear recommended personal protective equipment (PPE), especially gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. See Keep yourself and your family safe with PPE (PDF). The best type of mask to wear is a NIOSH-approved respirator, CDC, rated N95 or greater.
Wear dedicated clothing and/or disposable coveralls and boots. After leaving contaminated areas, launder dedicated clothing immediately and clean and disinfect boots and other reusable PPE. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling sick or dead animals or working in their environment.
If you need to dispose of a dead animal, put on PPE and:
- Use an inside-out plastic bag or a shovel to pick up the carcass.
- Place it in a second plastic bag (double-bag) and throw it away in a sealing trash can.
- Clean contaminated tools and hard surfaces in your flock’s environment (such as feeding and watering containers), as well as any tools used in the area, 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.
- Wash your hands after handling sick or dead animals or working in their environment.
For more information, see Avian Influenza Guidance for Backyard Flock Owners (PDF).