Avian influenza, also known as bird flu, is a viral infection that primarily affects wild birds but can also be transmitted to backyard flocks. Chicken owners need to know what symptoms to look for in their flock.
1. Lack of appetite
2. Swollen eyes
3. Sneezing and coughing
4. Decrease in egg production
5. Lethargy
6. Diarrhea
7. Sudden death
For more detailed information visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website about avian flu in chickens.
For prevention of spreading the avian flu here are five ways to help spread the disease.
1. Restriction of wild birds
Do your best to not allow wild birds near the flock. If an interaction with wild birds is necessary, wash your hands immediately after contact.
2. Keep everything clean and sanitized
Aside from keeping the coops and feeders clean, sanitizing shoes upon leaving the yard (or wearing disposable shoe coverings), and washing your hands, some sources go as far as recommending changing into new clothes when entering the house.
3. Do not share equipment with other flocks
I don't know about you, but I wouldn't be sharing equipment with owners of other flocks. However, if you're the sort to loan tools to neighbors, keep chicken-related tools to yourself for the sake of your flock.
4. Limit visitors
Avoid letting people spend time with your chickens. This reduces the chances of them bringing in contaminated feces on their shoes. If someone must visit your flock, make sure you have disposable shoe coverings for them to use, and make sure they wash their hands before entering your flock's area.
5. Do not introduce new chickens into your flock
In the early stages of the infection, there are no visible symptoms. New chickens brought to your coop should be quarantined for 30 days before introducing them to your flock. This will allow time for any issues, avian flu or otherwise, to become apparent.
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