H5N1 Avian Influenza: How To Protect Your Flocks As of May 5, 2022, the H5N1 Avia Influenza has now been reported in 34 states in the U.S. The latest estimate of poultry deaths is 38 million. Unlike the outbreak of 2015, most of the flocks affected are said to be backyard flocks. In 2015, most of the deaths were among commercial poultry farms. This disease is especially deadly because it can be carried across species. Wild birds of kinds are the carriers so you can see how it spreads so widely. In the 2015 outbreak, it was brought into our area by wild birds, or so we were told by the authorities. Our flock was unaffected, thankfully. The authorities also say it can be transported from farm to farm on our shoes, clothing, tires, and by way of insects and rodents if they come in contact with the mucous and feces of an infected bird.
Symptoms include but are not limited to Sudden death – no prior signs of sickness Purple color to the wattles, legs, and combs Misshapen or soft-shelled eggs The marked decrease in laying or absent laying A decrease in eating and drinking Lethargy Runny Stools Coughing, drainage from the eyes and nose, sneezing A sick bird may appear to be walking drunk or unable to stand well
What to Do If You Suspect H5N1 As in humans, antibiotics have proven ineffective against viruses in animals. As with all disease, proper nutrition and health maintenance is the best prevention.
