Let’s Talk About Bird Flu

[ManOverBoard]

I'm finding there is so much mis information about the bird flu and appreciate having this forum to find out whats what, that and the CDC's own website.

 

[Molpet]

JUST IN: Arizona agricultural officials say they now have the first detection of H5N1 avian influenza in milk produced by a dairy herd within the state. https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/h...hem&utm_medium=trueanthem&utm_source=facebook

 

[Perris]

It is probably more widespread than recognized. People and animals that are asymptomatic are probably spreading it - but that also means that infection for most of us may be adequately dealt with by our immune systems.

"The new study of vets found that three of the 150 who signed up to be tested – or 2% – had antibodies against bird flu in their blood. Antibodies indicate that the vets were infected with bird flu.... even though none of them had experienced any memorable symptoms or worked with cows that had tested positive for H5N1. One vet who had antibodies had worked with infected poultry, however, according to the study.

One veterinarian who tested positive said they’d treated cattle in Georgia and South Carolina, two states with no reported infections in cows."

https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/13/health/blood-testing-veterinarians-bird-flu/index.html

 

[lightm]

I don't think mass killing of birds is the solution. Poor birds.

https://www.thefocalpoints.com/p/usda-has-spent-125-billion-on-mass?triedRedirect=true

 

[jillette68]

I am in no way defending factory farms: the large scale farming of animals either indoors or on tiny lots with concentrated feeds and antibiotics has ushered in all sorts of problems.
But even if you got rid of all of the factory farms today, you would not return to some idyllic worry free time. You can not compare the way that illnesses spread today to any other time in human history, no matter what may have been the case for the previous 10,000 years. Because, since the twentieth century, we have had a huge increase in the human population, compounded with mass human migration into previously wild areas and amongst inhabited areas. Illness are able to move from animal to animal and human to human faster than ever.
Our greatest weapon against single celled parasites, bacteria, and DNA replicating viruses should be human brains, but... we have overused our antibiotics to make pigs and cattle grow bigger, faster. We had two generations get vaccinated and now we forget how scary the diseases are that we can vaccinate against and are cavalier about getting vaccinated. Hell, in less than two years Covid-19 killed more Americans than every major foreign conflict in American history and was the deadliest pandemic in American history and yet it is being represented here as being over-hyped.

 

[jillette68]

I am a classroom teacher who just ordered fertilized eggs for my classroom incubator from a major hatchery in my state. I want to learn more about avian influenza and if I need to be concerned. Once the chicks hatch, is it safe for me to allow the children to hold them? Do I need to follow a stricter than normal cage cleaning regimen? I read that the flu cannot be transferred through the egg to the chick. Is this true? I appreciate more information.

I participated in a webinar this week put on by my state's animal health department (Indiana-BOAH). The doctor from Purdue who was the main speaker said that getting chicks (and therefore I would assume eggs) from the large mail order hatcheries is safe. The hatcheries have to follow strict protocols for disease control.
Not related to your question but he also said that buying chicks at a farm store is not a great idea at this time due to their being exposed to the public. Also said that if for some reason you are integrating new birds into your established flock they should be quarantined for a minimum of 21 days for observation prior to introduction.
It was a decent program, BOAH is supposed to have it available for viewing on their website next week (week of 2/24/25).

 

[Toothpick]

I've not done anything at all. Their food/water is inside the coop so no wild birds have access to it. But they do hang out in the run a lot where wild birds have access. I'll be reading this thread and a bit more about this bird flu because if a little prevention is all I need then it will be worth it.

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

Has anyone had any chickens die with the flu or know of any farms that have?
Youd think someone on here would know first or secondhand, or did i miss it?

 

[Molpet]

Has anyone had any chickens die with the flu or know of any farms that have?
Youd think someone on here would know first or secondhand, or did i miss it?

Small Local egg farm made the local news... it's 16 miles away.
https://abc7chicago.com/post/bird-f...-matteson-multiple-hens-die-disease/15827407/

 

[Daisy June]

Hi everyone,

With bird flu (avian influenza) affecting flocks across the globe, it's more important than ever to stay informed and prepared. This disease doesn't just pose a risk to our flocks—it can also affect other animals and even humans in certain cases.

Let’s use this thread to share:

1. What precautions you're taking to protect your flock.
2. Questions or concerns you have about bird flu.
3. Reliable resources or tips that could help the community.

Remember, staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep ourselves and our feathered friends safe. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts and tips!

Also, feel free to participate in our poll: What Are You Doing to Protect Your Flock From Bird Flu (H5N1) Infection?

We no longer have food in our bird feeders. This has stopped all wild bird traffic as far as I can tell. I do hear birds, but my yard is of no interest to them for now.