Keep germs out of the coop

Why biosecurity matters for a few backyard hens

Biosecurity just means keeping germs away from your birds, and keeping your birds' germs away from people and other flocks. It sounds like a farm word, but it matters for a backyard flock of four, too. Diseases like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spread through wild birds, shoes, equipment, and new birds, and they can wipe out a small flock in days.

The good news is that the habits are simple and mostly free.

Seven habits that do most of the work

1. Keep wild birds away. Cover the run with a roof or netting, feed inside the coop or run, clean up spilled feed, and do not let your flock share water with ducks, geese, or other wild birds. Keep birds away from ponds that attract waterfowl.
2. Use dedicated shoes. Keep a pair of boots or shoes just for the coop, or use disposable boot covers. Clean and disinfect them if you have been around other birds.
3. Wash your hands before and after handling birds, eggs, feed, or equipment.
4. Quarantine new birds. Keep new or returning birds (like after a fair or show) separate from your flock for about 30 days, with separate equipment. Care for your main flock first, then the new birds.
5. Limit visitors. Friends who keep their own poultry should not walk through your coop without clean shoes and clothes. The same goes for you visiting their flocks.
6. Do not share equipment with other flocks. If you must borrow, clean and disinfect it first.
7. Know the warning signs and report them. Sudden deaths, very sick birds, or a big drop in eggs should be reported right away.

Signs of bird flu (HPAI)

• Sudden death without clear cause
• Lack of energy, appetite, or movement
• A sharp drop in egg production, or soft, thin, or misshapen eggs
• Swelling or purple discoloration of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, or legs
• Nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing
• Stumbling, falling, twisted neck, or diarrhea

Report sick birds or unusual deaths to your state veterinarian or call the USDA toll-free at 1-866-536-7593. Do not move, sell, or give away birds from a flock you think is sick. Do not take sick or dead birds to a vet clinic without calling first.

Official resources

Bird flu activity changes quickly. Use official sources for current outbreaks and rules in your area.

• USDA APHIS: Defend the Flock — free biosecurity checklists and training for backyard flocks.
• USDA APHIS: HPAI in poultry — current detections and response information.
• State animal health officials directory — find your state veterinarian.
• National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) — disease-testing program for hatcheries and breeders.
• CDC: Backyard poultry — keeping people healthy around chickens.
• Wisconsin DATCP livestock premises registration — required in Wisconsin for anyone keeping poultry, and helps officials reach you during an outbreak.

Your state agriculture department and county extension office often post local alerts too. Some states restrict poultry shows, swaps, or bird movement during outbreaks.

Handling a dead bird

• Wear gloves, and a mask if available.
• If death was sudden or several birds are sick, call your state veterinarian or USDA before disposing of the bird; they may want to test it.
• Otherwise, double-bag the bird and follow your local rules for disposal. Some cities specify how dead chickens must be disposed of.
• Wash hands and clean boots afterward.

Protecting your family

Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella without looking sick. Wash hands with soap and water after touching birds, eggs, or anything in the coop. Keep chicken equipment outside, do not kiss or snuggle birds, and keep young children supervised around chickens and their area. People who work with or around sick birds during an HPAI outbreak should follow health department guidance.