Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) and Sacramento County’s Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures are encouraging residents who own backyard chickens and other poultry to take precautions following the confirmation of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as bird flu, in two backyard flocks.
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) confirmed the first case Oct. 5 and the second Oct. 23. All birds in the affected flocks have been culled to prevent further spread of the virus. CDFA has not placed movement restrictions on poultry in Sacramento County.
SCPH is working to contact individuals who may have been exposed to the infected birds.
The current overall public health risk for this situation is categorized as “low.”
What Poultry Owners Should Know
Bird flu is a highly contagious disease that can cause severe illness and death in chickens, ducks, turkeys and other birds. Wild birds, particularly ducks and geese, are a primary source of the virus.
The virus can spread through direct contact with infected birds or through contaminated surfaces, including shoes, clothing, equipment and other materials.
Backyard poultry owners can help protect their flocks by taking a few precautions:
- Limit contact with wild birds. Keep poultry in enclosed or covered areas when possible and prevent wild birds from accessing feed and water.
- Keep equipment and spaces clean. Regularly clean and disinfect poultry housing, tools, feeders and other equipment.
- Avoid spreading germs between flocks. Wash your hands and change or clean footwear and clothing after handling birds. Avoid sharing equipment between flocks without disinfecting it.
- Monitor birds for signs of illness. Watch for sudden deaths, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, swelling around the head or eyes, unusual discharge, stumbling or other changes in behavior.
- Report sick birds. Poultry owners who notice unusual illness or deaths should contact CDFA's Sick Animal Hotline at 866-922-BIRD (2473).
For additional guidance, review CDFA's Disease Prevention Guide for Backyard and Pet Bird Owners.
What 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 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Anyone who has had direct contact with birds suspected or confirmed to have bird flu should avoid further exposure and contact a health care provider or public health officials if they develop symptoms.
Additional Resources
CDFA provides educational materials to help residents recognize bird flu, protect their flocks and understand what to do when birds become sick.
- Avian Influenza: What You Should Know
- Disease Prevention Guide for Backyard and Pet Bird Owners
- Signs of Disease in Poultry and Pet Birds
- Necropsy Services for Backyard Poultry Owners (English)
- Necropsy Services for Backyard Poultry Owners (Spanish)
For questions about bird flu in California, contact CDFA at 916-217-7517 or cdfa.HPAIinfo@cdfa.ca.gov.