Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, is a contagious virus affecting birds worldwide. While the risk varies depending on the type of bird and its environment, proper precautions can help protect both pet birds and poultry flocks. Here’s what you need to know as a bird owner.
HPAI and Indoor Pet Birds: Minimizing Risk
If your birds are kept strictly indoors with no exposure to wild birds or poultry, the risk of HPAI infection is very low. However, there are still steps you can take to reduce any potential transmission:
- Keep shoes that have been outside away from your birds’ space.
- Change clothes before interacting with indoor birds if you’ve had contact with wildlife or poultry.
- If you own both indoor birds and outdoor poultry, care for your indoor birds first before tending to your poultry.
- Do not share equipment between indoor and outdoor birds.
- Practice good hand hygiene, especially after handling outdoor birds or cleaning bird feeders.
- Avoid handling dead or sick wildlife, as this can introduce diseases.
While passerine birds (songbirds) are less likely to carry HPAI, maintaining these hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of other illnesses.
HPAI and Backyard Poultry: Protecting Your Flock
If you own pet poultry, biosecurity is key to keeping your birds safe. Here are the best practices to follow:
- Prevent visitors from coming into direct contact with your flock.
- Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock.
- Do not share equipment between farms or flocks.
- Change shoes before entering and exiting the coop, especially if you’ve walked in areas where wild birds, particularly waterfowl, are present.
- Minimize your flock’s exposure to all wildlife, even songbirds.
- Isolate sick birds immediately to prevent further spread.
- If multiple birds in your flock die suddenly without prior signs of illness, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
For additional guidance, the USDA’s Defend the Flock program offers excellent resources on biosecurity and disease prevention.
HPAI and Humans: What’s the Risk?
The risk of HPAI transmission to the general public is considered low. However, certain individuals—including farm workers, wildlife handlers, and veterinary professionals—may face increased risk due to frequent exposure to infected animals.
Symptoms in humans are typically mild and may include:
- Conjunctivitis (eye irritation)
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches)
To reduce your risk:
- Follow proper hygiene practices when handling birds or their environments.
- Avoid consuming undercooked poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Refer to the CDC guidelines for more information on HPAI exposure risks and safety measures.
HPAI and Domestic Cats:
Dozens of cats have contracted HPAI since the outbreak began in cattle in March 2024. Cats are susceptible to severe illness. Affected felines typically have access to wild bird populations or raw/undercooked meat or unpasteurized milk products.
Symptoms in cats may be severe and include:
- Neurologic signs- wobbling, circling, tremors, seizures
- Severe lethargy
- Nasal or ocular discharge
- Coughing, sneezing, respiratory distress
To reduce your cat’s risk:
- Keep your cats indoors
- Avoid consuming undercooked poultry, eggs, or unpasteurized dairy products.
- Refer to the CDC guidelines for more information on HPAI exposure risks and safety measures.
Final Thoughts
While HPAI poses a serious risk to birds, proactive measures can help protect both yourself and your pets. If you have any concerns about your birds’ health or suspect HPAI in your flock, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian!
