If you keep chickens, ducks, geese or turkeys, protecting your backyard flock from bird flu (avian influenza) is important. This flu virus can spread easily and your flock could get infected by contact with wild birds.
It’s possible for bird flu to spread to people. This isn’t common but your risk is higher if you’re exposed to infected birds or contaminated surfaces.
Corey Casper, MD, an infectious disease specialist with Banner - University Medicine, shared more about how bird flu can spread and symptoms to watch for in birds and people.
How backyard birds can be exposed
Bird flu, also called avian flu, is widespread in wild birds, even those that don’t look very sick. Your flock could catch it from wild birds near the coop, feeders, water sources or droppings from wild birds.
It can spread through:
- Contaminated shoes, clothing, hands or equipment
- New birds added to the flock
- Shared equipment from other flock owners
- Contact with sick or dead birds
Backyard ducks and wild waterfowl may carry the virus without looking sick, making bird flu in ducks harder to spot right away.
Signs of bird flu in chickens, ducks and other birds
Contact a veterinarian, local agriculture department, extension office or health department if your birds are sick or dying unexpectedly. Watch for signs like:
- Sudden death
- Low energy
- Not eating or drinking
- Trouble breathing
- Coughing or sneezing
- Swelling around the head, neck or eyes
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Purple discoloration of the comb, wattles or legs
- Diarrhea
- Lack of coordination
- Birds that seem quiet, weak or very sick
“Changes in eggs can also matter. Discolored, irregular, soft-shelled, misshapen or suddenly reduced eggs should prompt attention, especially if more than one bird is affected,” Dr. Casper said.
Can people get bird flu from backyard chickens?
It’s not common but understanding how bird flu in backyard chickens spreads can help keep you and your family safe. It’s possible if you have close, unprotected contact with infected birds, sick or dead birds or contaminated surfaces. Your risk may be higher if you handle sick or dead birds, clean contaminated coops or touch your face before washing your hands.
Children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems should be extra careful around animal and poultry germs in general.
Bird flu is being watched closely because flu viruses can change but it’s highly unlikely to get bird flu from an infected person.
Bird flu symptoms in people
“Bird flu does not always look like ‘flu’ in people. Eye redness or conjunctivitis can be part of the illness,” Dr. Casper said.
You should also watch for more typical flu symptoms like:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Nausea or vomiting
When to call a health care provider
Call a provider if you develop symptoms after contact with:
- Sick or dead birds
- A flock with suspected or confirmed bird flu
- Contaminated coop surfaces, droppings or equipment
- Wild birds or poultry that were acting sick
Be sure to share your symptoms and tell the provider:
- What birds you were around
- Whether birds were sick or dead
- When the exposure happened
- Whether you wore gloves, eye protection or a mask
Get emergency care if you have:
- Trouble breathing
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Severe weakness
- Blue lips or face
- Symptoms that are getting worse quickly
How to protect yourself and your family
- Wash hands with soap and water after touching birds, eggs, coops, bedding or equipment. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Supervise children to make sure they clean their hands properly.
- Keep coop shoes outside your home.
- Supervise children around backyard birds. Do not let them kiss or snuggle birds.
- Keep birds and poultry supplies out of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and food storage and eating areas.
- Keep wild birds away from the flock, when possible.
- Avoid touching your face while caring for birds.
- Clean equipment properly and keep it outside living areas.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling birds or cleaning the coop.
- Wash eggs and handle them safely.
What to do if a bird is sick or dead
Contact a veterinarian, local agriculture department or health department for instructions. Don’t move birds unless health officials recommend it.
Separate sick birds from the flock if you can do so safely and local guidance allows it. Keep children and pets away from the flock. Do not bring sick birds into your home.
When to use extra protection
Avoid handling sick or dead birds when possible. If you must handle them, use protection including:
- Disposable gloves
- Eye protection
- Well-fitting mask or respirator
- Boots or boot covers
- Clothing that can be removed and washed
Wash your hands after you remove your protective gear. Wash clothing and clean equipment as directed.
If you’re at higher risk for severe illness, avoid handling sick or dead birds when possible.
Bottom line
Raising backyard chickens and ducks can be rewarding but poultry can also carry germs, including bird flu. Most people are at low risk but flock owners should know the signs of bird flu, avoid touching sick or dead birds with bare hands and practice good backyard poultry safety.
If you develop eye redness, stomach symptoms or flu-like symptoms after bird exposure, call your health care provider or a Banner Health expert. Tell them about your bird exposure so they can recommend the next steps for you to take.
FAQs about bird flu in backyard flocks
Can backyard chickens get bird flu?
Yes. Backyard chickens, ducks and other poultry can be exposed to bird flu through wild birds, droppings, contaminated equipment or new birds.
Can people get bird flu from backyard chickens?
It is uncommon but possible after close contact with infected birds or contaminated surfaces. Basic hygiene and avoiding sick or dead birds can lower your risk.
What are signs of bird flu in chickens or ducks?
Signs may include sudden death, low energy, poor appetite, breathing problems, swelling, diarrhea, fewer eggs or poor coordination.
What symptoms should people watch for after bird exposure?
Watch for eye redness, fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting or trouble breathing.
Should children hold or kiss backyard chickens?
Children should not kiss or snuggle poultry. They should be supervised around birds and wash their hands afterward.
What should I do if one of my birds dies suddenly?
Keep children and pets away, do not touch the bird with bare hands and contact a veterinarian or local agriculture or health department.
