We originally posted about Avian Flu in 2022, and since then it has continued to be in the news. Most recently, it is obviously affecting our communities in the egg shortage we are experiencing at the markets.
In researching how to keep our own flocks safe and also fielding many calls for eggs, we realized that we can gather up all we've learned and share the info with you.
In this point we want to address three things:
How Avian Flu is resulting in a country-wide egg shortage
How you can take safety measures for yourself and your family
How you can protect your flock
AVIAN FLU IN A NUT(EGG)SHELL
Avian influenza (“bird flu”) is a respiratory disease of birds. Wild birds, especially raptors and waterfowl, can carry and spread the virus with no signs of illness. However, the virus can kill domestic poultry such as chickens, ducks, geese and turkey.
Symptoms of Avian Flu in domestic poultry include a lack of energy, appetite, and coordination, discoloration, swelling, diarrhea, coughing and sneezing, and sudden death. To be honest, it is a miserable disease that requires euthanization.
Avian Flu continues to be low risk to humans. It is rare for humans to be infected with Avian Flu. December 2024 was the first recorded case of a human fatality in the U.S. As of yet there is NO human to human transfer, and scientists are closely watching for that mutation in the virus.
A NATIONWIDE EGG SHORTAGE
As mentioned, the good news is that there is still NO human to human transfer of the virus. The news is not so great if you're a chicken, though. As of January 6, 2025, the number of domestic birds affected by Avian Flu is over 130.5 MILLION.
So, let's say you are a chicken farmer, and you have a bird that tests positive for Avian Flu. Immediately, that flock is quarantined and then the ENTIRE flock is euthanized - both to prevent the spread of the disease and because it is humane (bird flu is a slow and painful death for the bird). Eradication of the flock is required whether you have a small backyard flock or are a giant commercial producer.
Once the flock has been euthanized, infected facilities undergo intense cleaning, disinfection and testing. At the same time, both wild and domestic birds in a broad surrounding “control” area are tested and monitored.
Once the area is deemed clear, the farmer must start over again with chicks -- which must grow for 5 months before they start to lay eggs. So, all said and done, if your site tests positive for bird flu, then you're at least a year out from being able to sell eggs again.
With this in mind, it's not hard to see why market shelves are empty. The egg industry projects that it will take at least two years before a return to normalcy. Ah, Normalcy. Remember that? Me neither.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR YOU AND YOURS
So for our community on this little rock in the sea, what can we do to stay safe?
Avian flu is NOT a foodborne illness, which means you cannot contract it from eating poultry that has been cooked properly. As always, follow proper handling and cooking when preparing raw chicken. Poultry is safe when it is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (use a meat thermometer).
This goes for feeding your pets too. The virus has been found in raw foods for pets (which explains the recent news of a number of fatalities in both wild and domestic cats).
Additionally, make sure the dairy you consume has been pasteurized (Avian flu has been detected in cow's milk). Cook those eggs -- no raw ones for now!
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR FLOCK
Tending your own flock of backyard chickens is a great way to remedy the egg shortage that is evident in our markets' shelves. Also, a small flock of your own has many fun benefits in addition to eggs (chicken TV!). However, island flocks are very susceptible, as the San Juans are a stop for migrating waterfowl such as Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans. Extra precautions should be taken during migrating seasons.
But you will want to take some measures to keep your birds safe! Here are some good steps to take:
Separate your flock from disease sources. This means keeping them off areas to which wild birds have had access (ie, no free ranging for now).
Secure your coop so that wild birds cannot enter.
Keep your poultry area and equipment clean.
Don’t share equipment between neighbors.
Here on the farm we are taking steps to prevent exposure to Avian Flu. We have moved chicken tractors away from high-traffic areas in the farm. You won’t see chickens free ranging here, as they are safer staying closed in their coops, surrounded by electric netting to keep wild predators out. It is strangely quiet without the cackling of our hens up by the farmstand - but it will be music to our ears when they're back!
We will also be much stricter about biosecurity on the farm, especially around the poultry. We are limiting the number of workers who go in with the chickens, and keeping things dry and clean.
Here are some additional links pertaining directly to tending your own flock in the era of Bird Flu
The National Chicken Council has a very clear Avian Flu FAQ.
USDA's Avian Flu data in domestic and wild birds, mammals and livestock.
You can find information at WSDA, including the latest press releases about guidelines for farms in WA state.
Mid-May (2022) there was an excellent Youtube Q & A session with the state vet Dr. Amber Itle.
For a little levity, Backyardchickens.com is full of ideas for how to keep your coop interesting for bored chickens. (An makes for interesting Chicken TV for humans!).
This post was updated 12/25.
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