Show us your Coop in Ontario

Photo By Adam Hincks

Show us your Coop in Ontario - Adam built his coop on an old wagon body so he can easily move his hens to fresh grass!

Protect Your Flock

Avian Influenza for Small Flocks and Exhibition Birds

by

Avian Influenza (AI) is a highly contagious viral disease currently occurring around North America. It can infect domestic and wild birds including chickens, turkeys, quails, ducks, geese, pigeons, psittacine and guinea fowl. The virus can survive for days in litter, feed, water, soil, dead birds, feathers and on the surface of eggs.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5N1 was first detected in Canada on December 20th, 2021, in Newfoundland and Labrador.

This virus is carried in free-flying waterfowls such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds. AI can be brought into a poultry barn by breaches in biosecurity. Biosecurity is a multi-faceted health plan that includes isolation, traffic control, hygiene, mortality, and manure management in addition to cleaning, disinfection, and water sanitation.

During this high-risk transmission period of AI, it is strongly recommended that small flock owners and owners of exhibition birds avoid poultry events such as shows, swaps and sales.

AI can be transmitted from one infected flock to another by movement of infected birds and/or carrying the virus from the nominated environment on equipment or clothing and footwear.  

What You Can Do

  • Birds with outdoor access should not share areas with wild ducks, geese, or shorebirds. Avoid attractions for wild waterfowl such as ponds or open feeders, which may become contaminated with wild waterfowl droppings
  •  Be diligent when observing your birds and monitor track feed and water consumption for any signs of disease
  • Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect any signs of health concerns in your flock
  • Get complete background information of birds newly added to your flock. This includes a history of any diseases and vaccinations and the vendor’s contact information.
  • Keep new birds or those returning from shows separate and in different airspace for at least 4 weeks and monitor for signs of illness. Be sure to clean and disinfect cages and equipment used for these birds.
  • People working with poultry are strongly encouraged to follow all public health guidelines and maintain strict biosecurity
  • Attend a free webinar of Small Flock High Pathogenic Avian Influence Updates hosted by The Poultry Industry Council. To learn more information, visit here.