Backyard Chickens Most At Risk Of Avian Influenza

When winter months begin to roll around, many migratory birds make their way south for warmer temperatures, but many of the flocks also bring a strand of avian influenza.

"Typically, we would see it this time of year, and it would be associated with these flight patterns, and then it would kind of burn out as our summer months approached," said Dr. Rosslyn Biggs, an OSU Extension Veterinarian.

The strand is spread from waterfowl, such as ducks and geese, to poultry, with much of the at-risk population being backyard chickens.

"What we're seeing in particular with our domestic poultry, so think chickens and turkeys, that kind of thing, is really a high rate of death, unfortunately, with those animals that become infected," she said. 

She said the best ways to protect chickens are to stop interactions with waterfowl, keep flocks separate, and check the birds each day.

"Anytime that we would have particularly ducks and geese that could either leave droppings or share water or share any type of equipment, that kind of thing or space, we want to prevent that first and foremost," Dr. Biggs said. 

She said to look for flu-like symptoms similar to those of humans, as well as decreased appetite, diarrhea, and nasal discharge in the birds.

"If I see any signs of illness, I want to make sure that I'm acting on that quickly," said Dr. Biggs. 

If you suspect influenza in your flock, contact your veterinarian or the OSU extension office to report the cases.