Bird Flu and Backyard Flock Welfare

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses severe risks to backyard poultry flocks. Biosecurity practices protect both bird welfare and public health.

Key Facts

HPAI H5N1 has caused the death or culling of hundreds of millions of birds since 2020
Backyard flocks are at risk from wild bird contact, particularly migratory waterfowl
Biosecurity measures including netting, covered runs, and separate footwear dramatically reduce infection risk
Infected birds suffer severe neurological symptoms before death
Mandatory testing and reporting are required in most countries when HPAI is suspected

Welfare Considerations

HPAI infection causes prolonged and severe suffering in affected birds. Prevention through biosecurity is both a welfare and public health priority. Backyard flock owners who take biosecurity seriously protect their birds from a disease that causes terrible suffering before death. Simple measures including housing birds when wild bird risk is high, preventing shared water sources, and regular observation for unusual mortality allow early detection and reporting that contains outbreaks.

What You Can Do

Implement biosecurity measures for backyard flocks including covered runs and separate footwear
Sign up for avian influenza alerts in your region
Report unusual bird mortality immediately to agricultural authorities
Follow any housing orders issued for backyard flocks during HPAI outbreaks
Learn to recognize signs of HPAI including sudden death, respiratory distress, and neurological symptoms