By John Todd | Rio Linda Online
Backyard poultry owners in Rio Linda and Elverta are being urged to protect their birds after bird flu was confirmed in two Sacramento County backyard flocks this month.
According to Sacramento County Public Health and the county’s Department of Agricultural, Weights and Measures, the California Department of Food and Agriculture confirmed the cases on Oct. 5 and Oct. 23.
All birds in the affected flocks were culled to prevent further spread. Officials said no countywide restrictions on poultry movement have been imposed. The announcement did not identify the communities where the flocks were located.
Public health staff are contacting people who may have been exposed to the infected birds. Officials describe the overall public health risk from this situation as low.
Protecting backyard birds
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, is highly contagious and can cause severe illness and death in chickens, ducks, turkeys and other birds.
Wild birds, particularly ducks and geese, can introduce the virus to domestic flocks. It can also travel on contaminated shoes, clothing, tools and other equipment.
County officials recommend that poultry owners:
- Keep wild birds away. Use enclosed or covered poultry areas when possible, and prevent wild birds from reaching feed and water.
- Clean housing and equipment. Regularly clean and disinfect coops, feeders, tools and other supplies.
- Avoid carrying contamination between flocks. Wash hands after handling birds, clean or change footwear and clothing, and disinfect equipment before sharing it.
- Watch for illness. Warning signs include sudden deaths, trouble breathing, reduced appetite, swelling around the head or eyes, unusual discharge, stumbling or other behavioral changes.
Report unusual poultry illnesses or deaths to CDFA’s Sick Bird Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
What other residents should know
Residents should avoid touching or handling sick, injured or dead wild birds. Contact local animal control for guidance and report unusual wild bird deaths through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s online reporting form.
Anyone who has had direct contact with birds suspected or confirmed to have bird flu should avoid further exposure. If symptoms develop, contact a health care provider or public health officials and explain the bird exposure.
Poultry owners can find additional precautions in CDFA’s Disease Prevention Guide for Backyard and Pet Bird Owners.
For general questions about bird flu in California, contact CDFA at 916-217-7517 or [email protected].
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