Spring is a critical time for waterfowl like ducks, geese and other migratory birds in Utah.
LOGAN – Although there has been no bird flu detected in Utah or surrounding states, there has been and outbreak in at least three other states and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is monitoring flocks in all states.
Since the start of 2022, multiple states have detected the virus including Kentucky, Iowa, Maine, New York, Virginia and South Carolina. In Indiana, more than 150,000 birds have been affected by the virus. Several thousand have been euthanized.
David D. Frame, DVM, DACPV and USU Extension Poultry Specialist, acknowledged recently, there have been detections of the Eurasian-origin H5N1 strain of HPAI on the Eastern Seaboard and in a few inland states.
“Most of these detections have been in wild waterfowl and mixed species backyard poultry, although it was found in commercial turkeys in Indiana,” he said. “These flocks have since been depopulated. With the coming of the spring migration, officials will be on the alert for additional detections.”
Frame said people owning chickens at home should not be alarmed, but should be aware of safety precautions to protect your birds:
- Do not intermingle waterfowl with chickens and other poultry species.
- Do not intermix species of poultry (i.e. turkeys, chickens, guinea fowl, etc.).
- Maintain dedicated footwear and clothing when watering, feeding, gathering eggs, or otherwise servicing your flock. Leave them close to the coop and put on every time you enter the flock and take them off as you leave.
- Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your birds and gathering eggs. Dry and then use hand sanitizer.
- Do not visit neighbors’ flocks.
- Do not bring in birds to your own flock that are of unknown health status.
- If hunting waterfowl, do not enter your coop until you have showered and changed into clean clothing. Do not clean waterfowl around poultry facilities.
For other tips, visit the USDA web site: USDA APHIS | Defend the Flock Program
The USDA recommends anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. APHIS has materials about biosecurity, including videos, checklists, and a toolkit available at https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources.
The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reported in January 2020 that avian influenza viruses naturally occur in wild birds, especially waterfowl and shorebirds, and infections typically cause few, if any, symptoms.
DWR continues to monitor bird populations for unusual mortality events in wild birds, especially in waterfowl and other water birds; gallinaceous birds such as quail and turkeys; scavenger birds such as crows and ravens; and, birds of prey such as eagles, owls and other raptors.
There is no evidence that suggests people could become infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus by feeding backyard birds. Generally, songbirds, or perching birds, (Passeriformes) are the primary type of birds at feeders.
Avian influenza viruses are usually associated with waterfowl and shorebirds. Other wild birds like songbirds have different kinds of diseases.
People who feed birds routinely should clean their feeders and bird baths, and anyone who comes in direct contact with bird droppings should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
DWR also wants people to report any large group of dead waterfowl, shorebirds, wild turkeys or quail (not found near power lines or roads), as well as dead raptors and scavengers found near waterfowl habitats.
To report large groups of dead birds call (801)-538-4700.
Mortalities or questions regarding domestic birds should be directed to the State Veterinarian’s office at (801)-538-4910 or by calling the USDA toll free at 1-866-536-7593.