Extension Corner: Take steps to protect backyard flocks from avian influenza
I’m sure you’ve seen news reports about avian influenza and issues across the country affecting all our lives. Surely, you’ve seen the price of a dozen eggs double or even triple in recent weeks as well.
While the reports of outbreaks of avian influenza or “bird flu” can be scary, you have an important role when it comes to keeping backyard flocks safe.
So, some basics about avian influenza: It is a virus that is carried by migratory and domesticated waterfowl like ducks and geese. Unfortunately, chickens and turkeys are susceptible to it as well.
The virus spreads in a unique way; it starts in waterfowl breeding grounds in northern Canada. and is spread by wild geese and ducks as they make their way across the giant migratory flyways across our country.
Avian influenza can spread much like other viruses — through foot traffic, or contact with secretions from nostrils, eyes and excrement. All of this can be increased by the movement of the birds and by the clothing or footwear used around infected birds.
What can you do to help protect those backyard flocks? You should cover coops and runs. Wear dedicated clothing and shoes. Always wash your hands before and after entering a coop.
Lock all of your birds in the coop and run to keep them from interacting with carriers, and remove birdhouses, feeders and baths near your flocks.
You should always clean and disinfect equipment in contact with birds or droppings. Avoid feed stores, vet offices and other places with small flocks, as much as possible.
If you have other questions about the program or any other area under the Extension umbrella, please reach out or stop by our office on the fourth floor of the Etowah County Courthouse at 800 Forrest Ave., call us at 256-547-7936 or visit us on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3otwUdl or online at https://bit.ly/3yniPCx.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal-opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs.
Eric Wright is extension coordinator for the Etowah County Extension Office.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Tips for stopping the spread of bird flu
