Louisville, KY — With the spring migration underway, the risk of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) transmission from wild waterfowl to backyard poultry is elevated.

We strongly recommend Louisville residents with backyard chickens take steps to exclude wild birds from their coops and runs. Use hardware cloth to cover runs and secure feed to prevent attracting wild sparrows and starlings, which can carry the virus.

If you find dead wild birds on your property, do not handle them with bare hands.

What is HPAI?

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a viral disease that affects both wild and domestic birds. It is extremely contagious and often fatal to chickens and turkeys. Wild birds, especially waterfowl (ducks, geese) and shorebirds, are natural carriers. They can spread the virus through their droppings and nasal secretions without showing signs of illness themselves.

However, when the virus jumps to domestic poultry or raptors (hawks, owls), it is deadly.

How It Spreads to Backyards

The virus is typically spread by direct contact with infected wild birds or contact with surfaces contaminated by their feces.

In a backyard setting, the biggest risk factors are:

1. Shared Feed/Water: Wild birds (sparrows, starlings) flying into chicken runs to eat feed.
2. Ponds: Wild ducks landing in ponds used by domestic ducks.
3. Feces: Wild bird droppings falling into the coop or run.

Biosecurity Steps for Homeowners

1. Cover Your Run: Install a solid roof or fine mesh netting over your chicken run to prevent wild birds from landing inside.
2. Secure Feed: Store feed in metal, rodent-proof containers. Feed your flock inside the coop if possible to avoid attracting wild birds.
3. Clean Water: Change water daily and prevent wild birds from accessing waterers.
4. Limit Visitors: Do not let other poultry owners visit your coop, as they can carry the virus on their shoes.
5. Wash Hands: Wash your hands and change your shoes before and after tending to your flock.

Reporting Sick Birds

If you see wild birds exhibiting neurological symptoms (tremors, twisted necks, inability to fly) or find multiple dead birds in your yard, do not touch them. Report the sighting to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources.

If you need help bird-proofing your coop or removing nuisance wild birds from your property, contact Critter Removal of Louisville.