Bird Flu & Biosecurity

Learn How to Protect Your Poultry & Farm

The current outbreak of avian flu, H5N1, is highly contagious and deadly to all poultry.
PASTURED & INDOOR POULTRY ARE AT RISK OF INFECTION

WHAT IS BIRD FLU?

Bird flu, or avian influenza (AI), is a viral infection that primarily affects wild birds and domestic poultry. While many wild bird species can carry the virus without symptoms, recent outbreaks in large-scale factory poultry farms—where birds are densely housed in unhealthy conditions—have accelerated its spread and increased the probability of more dangerous strains developing.

Like all viruses, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) mutates through genetic drift, a process in which random genetic changes occur as the virus replicates and infects new hosts. Each mutation (currently H5N1) raises the risk to human health by enhancing the virus's ability to spread, increasing its severity, or allowing it to infect new species, including humans. Therefore, the larger the outbreak, the greater the chance of a more dangerous and deadly mutation.

The current H5N1 strain exemplifies these risks, and recent mutations have allowed “bird flu” to spread to not only birds but also mammals. In light of recent detections of H5N1 in dairy cattle, wild mammals, and even humans, it is crucial that farmers take action and personal responsibility to prevent and limit its spread.

HOW DOES H5N1 BIRD FLU SPREAD?

H5N1 spreads easily among poultry and can have devastating effects on flocks and small farm businesses. The virus moves through direct contact between birds and mammals, contaminated surfaces, and even unsuspecting human carriers.

Ways H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads Between Species:

  • Wild Birds & Waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans) → Can carry and spread the virus to domestic poultry, other wild birds, and mammals through direct contact and fecal contamination, including open water sources. Deceased wild birds can also transmit the virus to people, poultry, and livestock—avoid contact with deceased birds.

  • Domestic Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, quail) → Can spread the virus within poultry flocks, wild birds, mammals and humans. Poultry are highly susceptible to infection.

  • Cattle → Cattle can spread the virus to poultry and to mammals, including humans.

  • Humans → Can transmit bird flu to domestic poultry. Avoid contact with dead wild birds and deceased poultry that may be infected.

  • Same Species Transmission→H5N1 spreads easily among cattle, birds, and cats but not as easily between people and pigs.

  • Adaptation Concern→ If enough people or pigs become infected, the virus could adapt and spread more efficiently within these species.

Ways H5N1 Bird Flu Spreads to People

In the current outbreak of Bird Flu, human infections are primarily linked to cattle, though transmission from wild birds and poultry (including deceased birds) is possible.

People become infected with bird flu when the virus gets into a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or is inhaled through:

  • Direct Contact with Cattle: Exposure to infected cattle or their body fluids, including mucus, blood, milk, and feces. Until recently, bird flu was rare in cattle. The current outbreak has significantly affected commercial dairies, with at least 60% of California's dairies are impacted. Research on bird flu in beef cattle remains very limited.

  • Direct Contact with poultry or birds: Handling infected poultry or wild birds, whether dead or alive.

  • Contaminated Surfaces & Equipment: The virus can linger on egg flats, crates, and farm tools.

  • Airborne: Dust and droplets from poultry & cattle can carry the virus and be inhaled.

Ways H5N1 Bird Flu Reaches Your Farm

  • Wild Birds & Water Sources: ponds or open water sources are at higher risk of contamination as these often contain waterfowl droppings.

  • Feed & Bedding Contamination: Wild birds can drop infected feces into feeders, troughs, and high-traffic areas. Store feed and bedding securely to prevent exposure and virus spread.

  • Exposure to Infected Birds on other farms, shows or locations is then tracked back with you to your farm.

  • Equipment, Farm Tours & Vistors: The virus can hitch a ride on boots, tools, and feed bags. Often farmers don’t immediately know they have the active virus and spread it unknowingly.

  • Rodents & Other Wildlife: Small animals can carry virus particles into feed storage or animal housing areas.

How to Protect Your Animals from H5N1 Bird Flu

  • Make a Biosecurity Plan: Creating a plan using resources from APPPA, Defend the Flock, USDA HPAI Biosecurity Checklist and sharing it with employees is your best first step!

  • Disinfect Your Equipment Regularly: Clean & sanitize shoes, clothing, hands, and equipment.

  • Limit Wild Bird Contact: Secure feed bins, water sources, and feeders to prevent exposure to wild birds and waterfowl.

  • Restrict Access to Your Farm, including farm tours, employees and neighbors. Bird flu spreads before symptoms appear.

  • Maintain Flock Health: Ensure birds are healthy while still allowing outdoor pasture access whenever possible.

  • Know the Signs & Isolate: Symptoms include a sudden rise in bird deaths, respiratory issues like sneezing, coughing, and nasal discharge, and watery or green diarrhea. Infected birds may appear weak, eat less, lay fewer eggs, and develop swelling around the eyes, neck, and head. Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs can also occur. If you see a sudden rise in bird deaths, you are encouraged to have your flock tested. Infected birds may show no symptoms or only exhibit signs briefly before death.

If You Suspect Bird Flu

H5N1 Bird flu can hit even the best-run farms. The key is acting quickly to protect your flock, your farm and other animals.

  • Report Suspected Illness Immediately: H5N1 bird flu is a notifiable disease—veterinarians must report suspected cases. Call your vet for testing as soon as you suspect bird flu. Prompt reporting is crucial—not only for containment but also for compensation. Only live birds from an infected flock are eligible for compensation; deceased birds will not be covered.

  • Who to Call: Reach out to your agricultural extension office, local vet, animal health lab, state veterinarian, or USDA at 1-866-536-7593.

  • Act Fast: Birds can decline quickly, and unfortunately, USDA does not compensate for those that die before testing.

  • Isolate: Birds with signs of illness need to be separated and housing sanitized.

  • Protect Other Animals: Cats and dogs can be infected by eating sick birds, drinking raw milk from infected cows, or consuming raw/undercooked meat. Pigs and cattle are also susceptible, so if you have multiple species on your farm, keep livestock isolated to prevent spread.

  • Testing & Depopulation: You will have deceased birds tested. If your flock tests positive, the USDA will handle depopulation to prevent further spread.

  • Compensation & Appeals: If you believe your birds were undervalued, you have 15 days to notify your case manager in writing. There’s no deadline for getting an independent appraisal. Check the Indemnity Table for payment details.

  • Protect Other Animals: Cats and dogs can get infected by eating sick birds, drinking raw milk from infected cows, or consuming undercooked meat.

BIOSECURITY & BIRD FLU RESOURCES FOR FARMERS