Avian Flu. How common is it?

[Hessk]

So I just started reading about the avian flu last night and it’s stressed me out so much to the point that I’m thinking of selling my flock. They free range around our yard where my 3yr old plays and I’m so scared of the thought of this illness. I love my ladies so much but I can’t have this excessive anxiety over it. How common is bird flu in small backyard flocks?

 

[Hencraze24]

the disease is pretty common, though Ive never heard of anyone with a backyard flock who has had it.

if you want advice, or if you or your bird catches it, go to

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bird-flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20368455

 

[Peter_Rabbit_Farm]

Here are some preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease in poultry that I use.

As for tools I would keep them in your garage, and make sure to disinfect them before use for cleaning out the coop.

As to how concerned you should be. If even one bird comes down with it you must cull all poultry on your property. It has a very high mortality rate, and can spread like wildfire.
- I would hate to cull all my birds, since I have rare breeds, and champion show birds.

You can pick it up from the feed store or even the grocery store on your feet which could infect your flock

I would get a bucket of water mixed with disinfectant soap and wash your feet in that every time you go into the coop. Keep that bucket next too the coop. Change the water every few days. Or you can have a pair of boots in the coop, and only use that pair in your coop.

Also keeping your run covered helps too. Preferably a solid top, but a mesh top may work too. Covered runs are best for keeping you birds safe.

If you add new birds in to your flock quarantine them for a minimum of a month. I know you said you were not going to do that but it is good to know for the future, just in case.
I personally quarantine for a month, then do a blood test on both flocks to ensure no disease transmission. I test for:
- Avian influenza
- coryza ( I think I spelled that wrong)
- Salmonella

To prevent wild bird coming in your yard don’t put bird suet or seeds out for them, also adding owl or hawk dummies around help

I show my poultry, and they need a clean blood test to be able to show. So I have bio security measures already in place.

PS - I am in south eastern Pennsylvania, so I too am worried about the outbreak of Avian influenza.

I am trying to respond to all the avian influenza threads to help people with bio security

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Here are some preventative measures to prevent the spread of disease in poultry that I use.

As for tools I would keep them in your garage, and make sure to disinfect them before use for cleaning out the coop.

As to how concerned you should be. If even one bird comes down with it you must cull all poultry on your property. It has a very high mortality rate, and can spread like wildfire.
- I would hate to cull all my birds, since I have rare breeds, and champion show birds.

You can pick it up from the feed store or even the grocery store on your feet which could infect your flock

I would get a bucket of water mixed with disinfectant soap and wash your feet in that every time you go into the coop. Keep that bucket next too the coop. Change the water every few days. Or you can have a pair of boots in the coop, and only use that pair in your coop.

Also keeping your run covered helps too. Preferably a solid top, but a mesh top may work too. Covered runs are best for keeping you birds safe.

If you add new birds in to your flock quarantine them for a minimum of a month. I know you said you were not going to do that but it is good to know for the future, just in case.
I personally quarantine for a month, then do a blood test on both flocks to ensure no disease transmission. I test for:
- Avian influenza
- coryza ( I think I spelled that wrong)
- Salmonella

To prevent wild bird coming in your yard don’t put bird suet or seeds out for them, also adding owl or hawk dummies around help

I show my poultry, and they need a clean blood test to be able to show. So I have bio security measures already in place.

PS - I am in south eastern Pennsylvania, so I too am worried about the outbreak of Avian influenza.

I am trying to respond to all the avian influenza threads to help people with bio security

This thread is from 2019 I didn't want you to think anyone was ungrateful for you reply

 

[Peter_Rabbit_Farm]

This thread is from 2019 I didn't want you to think anyone was ungrateful for you reply

Thanks, I know that it is going around, so I am just trying to help people not to get too scared of it. Because there are some simple measures that can be done to prevent it.

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Thread 'Avian influenza found in South Carolina' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/avian-influenza-found-in-south-carolina.1507893/

Are you on this ^^^ thread?

 

[Peter_Rabbit_Farm]

Thread 'Avian influenza found in South Carolina' https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/avian-influenza-found-in-south-carolina.1507893/

Are you on this ^^^ thread?

Yes