America’s poultry continues to be at risk from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Specifically, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI)—a disease caused by the virus—is extremely contagious and often deadly to domestic poultry. The virus poses a serious threat to the country’s poultry health and producers’ livelihoods, affecting more than 166 million birds and a range of species, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, and geese.
Wild birds are a primary source of HPAI transmission, carrying the virus in their droppings and contaminating water sources, especially during migratory seasons. People can also unintentionally spread the virus on work boots, clothing, farm equipment, and vehicles that have not been properly cleaned and disinfected.
To address the threat of HPAI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is working diligently to contain the virus, making prevention and preparedness top priorities. The good news is there are many free resources available through USDA to help poultry operations strengthen their biosecurity practices and reduce the risk of disease introduction.
For poultry operations with 500 or more birds that have not been affected by HPAI, USDA offers free, voluntary biosecurity assessments. These help producers identify practical, actionable steps they can take immediately to strengthen on-farm biosecurity. Producers can request two assessments to better protect their operations:
- Wildlife Biosecurity Assessment:
APHIS Wildlife Services staff identify wildlife-related risks and provide recommendations for facility repairs and improvements. - Biosecurity Incentive-Focused Assessment:
APHIS Veterinary Services collaborates with producers to review biosecurity plans and on-farm practices aimed at preventing disease from entering a farm or operation.
As an added benefit, USDA demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding poultry health by covering up to 75 percent of the costs associated with addressing the highest-risk biosecurity gaps identified through these assessments. Additional details and guidance on requesting an assessment are available through USDA’s Defend the Flock Resource Center.
USDA also provides support for smaller operations and backyard bird owners, offering a comprehensive suite of free biosecurity resources, checklists, and tools through Defend the Flock. These simple, low-cost actions can significantly reduce the risk of disease. Here are four easy, inexpensive steps flock owners can take today to help protect their birds from avian influenza and other poultry diseases:
Clean Up: Disinfect and sanitize farm equipment, footwear, and clothing used in poultry areas every day or after use. Ensure feed is stored properly to prevent contamination from wild birds and rodents. Make sure birds have clean water and bedding.
Suit Up: Use dedicated boots for the farm and a footbath to disinfect footwear daily. Wear gloves in poultry areas or use hand sanitizer upon entry and exit of poultry areas. Give visitors disposable shoe covers, minimize farm visitors, and limit farm traffic.
Divide Up: Separate species to reduce the risk of spreading avian influenza. Use covered enclosures and netting to avoid contact between domestic poultry and wild birds.
Brush Up: Learn the signs of avian influenza, such as trouble breathing, lack of appetite, nasal discharge, decreased egg production, and sudden or unexplained death. Monitor bird health closely and keep records of your birds’ health updated. Isolate any sick birds, and report signs of illness to your veterinarian and/or a State or Federal animal health official.
Be a flu fighter and take steps to protect flocks from avian influenza. Even the smallest change can make a big difference in keeping birds healthy. To learn more, go to USDA’s Defend the Flock website.
This article is brought to you by USDA.