Avian Influenza and Your Backyard Flock
Avian Influenza (bird flu) is making headlines again, and while large commercial poultry farms are hit hardest, backyard flocks are also at risk, especially free range flocks. The good news? With the right biosecurity practices, you can greatly reduce the chances of your birds getting sick. Here’s how to keep your flock safe:
1. Limit Contact with Wild Birds
Wild birds, especially waterfowl like ducks and geese, are major carriers of avian flu.
✅ Cover outdoor runs to block droppings from overhead birds.
✅ Keep feeders and waterers indoors or under cover to avoid contamination.
2. Keep Things Clean
Avian flu spreads easily through contaminated surfaces, shoes, and even clothing.
✅ Change shoes & wash hands before and after tending to your flock.
✅ Use a footbath with disinfectant at the coop entrance.
✅ Regularly clean and disinfect feeders, waterers, and coop surfaces.
3. Control Visitors & New Birds
✅ No unnecessary visitors inside your chicken area, especially if they keep birds too. Don’t visit other chicken areas on other farms or backyards.
✅ Quarantine new birds for at least 30 days before introducing them to your flock.
✅ Avoid poultry swaps & live bird markets during outbreaks.
4. Free-Range Chickens? Take Extra Precautions!
Free-range and pastured chickens have a higher risk of exposure to wild birds and their droppings. During times of increased transmission, consider the following:
✅ Limit access to ponds, standing water, or areas where wild birds gather, especially ducks and geese.
✅ Rotate grazing areas to reduce buildup of pathogens.
✅ Temporary confinement in covered and enclosed runs.
✅ Provide food & water in a covered area to prevent contamination.
5. Monitor for Symptoms
Early detection is key! Watch for:
❗ Lethargy or sudden death
❗ Swollen eyes, purple combs/wattles
❗ Sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge
❗ Decreased egg production or odd-looking eggs
If you see these signs, report to your state vet or agriculture department immediately! See contacts at end of post.
6. Have a Plan in Case of an Outbreak
While prevention is key, it’s smart to be prepared.
✅ Know who to contact if your birds show symptoms. See contacts at end of post.
✅ Have a quarantine setup in case one bird gets sick.
✅ Stock up on feed and supplies in case movement restrictions affect availability.
Who Ya Gunna Call?!
Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD):
Avian Influenza Information: MDARD provides updated guidance, personal protective equipment infographics, and other resources related to avian influenza.
Reporting Suspected Cases in Domestic Birds: If you suspect avian influenza in your domestic flock, contact MDARD immediately at 800-292-3939 during daytime hours or 517-373-0440 after hours.
Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources:
Avian Influenza Resources: MSU offers information on avian influenza, including guidance on who to contact if the disease is suspected in domestic or wild birds.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR):
Reporting Wild Bird Deaths: If you observe the death of three or more free-ranging wild birds, report it to the DNR through the Eyes in the Field app or by calling 517-336-5030.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS):
Avian Influenza Information: APHIS provides comprehensive information on avian influenza, including guidance for response and management of disease outbreaks.
Defend the Flock Resource Center: This resource center offers biosecurity information to help poultry owners protect their flocks from avian influenza.
For the most current information and guidance, please refer to these resources or contact the appropriate state or federal agency.
Free-Range Flocks & Food Security
Small, decentralized, and disaggregated systems are inherently more resilient and secure. If one flock is lost, others remain, ensuring continuity. While free-range chickens are at higher risk, they also help decentralize food production, reducing dependence on massive industrial poultry farms. Protecting these flocks strengthens local food resilience and ensures that small-scale, sustainable farming remains a viable option. I also believe that hardy, heritage breeds—raised in natural environments rather than for maximum production—are healthier and more resilient. Unlike commercial breeds in high-intensity operations, which face chronic stress, heritage birds thrive with stronger immune systems and natural adaptability.
