Bird Flu and You: What You Need to Know
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A case of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)—commonly called bird flu—has recently been confirmed in neighboring Buncombe County. This has raised concerns in Yancey about the risk to backyard flocks, wild birds, and even people. Here’s what you need to know about bird flu, how to protect your birds, and what to do if you suspect a case near you.
What is Bird Flu?
Bird flu is a virus that spreads among birds, especially chickens, turkeys, and wild waterfowl like ducks and geese. The H5N1 strain is the most concerning because it spreads easily among birds and can be deadly to poultry. Avian influenza (AI) is caused by an influenza type A virus and is carried by free-flying waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds.
Signs of Bird Flu in Poultry
If you have a backyard flock, watch for these signs:
- Low energy or not eating
- Fewer eggs or soft/misshapen eggs
- Swollen heads, eyes, combs, or wattles
- Purple color on combs, wattles, or legs
- Difficulty breathing, sneezing, or runny noses
- Twisting of the head or unsteady walking
- Greenish diarrhea
If your birds show these symptoms, report it immediately to:
📞 Your local veterinarian: Anyone practicing veterinary medicine in North Carolina must report certain diseases and conditions to the state veterinarian’s office by phone within two hours of suspecting them.
📞 Office of the State Veterinarian: 919-707-3250.
📞 NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services: (919) 707-3250 (Option #2)
📞 USDA Hotline: 1-866-536-7593
Our office can not test for bird flu.
Protecting Your Backyard Flock
You can reduce the risk of bird flu by taking these simple steps:
✔️ Keep birds away from ponds, lakes, and other areas where wild birds gather.
✔️ Cover coops and runs to prevent wild bird droppings from contaminating food and water.
✔️ Remove wild bird feeders or keep them far away from your flock.
✔️ Wear disposable boot covers when walking in your flock and throw them away after each use.
If Your Birds Stay Confined
For flocks that stay in enclosed coops and runs, keep them happy and healthy with:
- Hanging cabbage, melons, or pecking blocks for enrichment.
- Covered runs with grass or soft bedding to reduce stress.
- Limited visitors—keep people and other animals away from your flock.
REMEMBER: If bird flu enters your flock, it can spread quickly and may require all birds to be culled. Protect them by limiting their contact with the outside world.
How Does Bird Flu Affect People?
The good news is that the risk of bird flu spreading to humans is low. Most human cases happen when someone has direct, close contact with infected birds or their droppings. The virus does not spread easily between people.
How to Stay Safe:
- Avoid handling sick or dead birds.
- If you must handle birds, wear gloves and wash your hands after.
- Cook all poultry and eggs thoroughly to kill any potential virus.
If you feel sick after handling birds, call your doctor and let them know about your exposure.
Other Effects of Bird Flu: Grocery Prices
When large farms lose poultry to bird flu, it can affect the prices of chicken, turkey, and eggs at the store.
- Egg prices may rise if large numbers of hens are affected.
- Broiler chickens (raised for meat) are less impacted because they grow quickly and have less time to catch the virus.
- Turkeys are at higher risk, which could mean more expensive turkey meat.
More Resources
Want to learn more? The USDA has free resources on how to protect your flock with biosecurity measures:
📌 Defend the Flock Program
For updates on cases in wild birds, visit:
📌 USDA Avian Influenza Detections
📌 NC State Extension Bird Flu Resources
Stay informed, stay cautious, and take steps to protect your birds and your health!