HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) also known as “bird flu” is in the news. While it is contagious to humans, it is most virulent among birds including poultry, and has affected cattle, cats, and dogs. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms in your pet, schedule a consultation with your veterinarian immediately.
With the popularity of backyard chickens as pets increasing, proper safety measures must be taken to protect your pets and your family. Courtesy of Clemson Livestock and Poultry Health, here are small steps you can take that will have a big impact:
- Follow your biosecurity plan. All individuals interacting with birds or poultry should be familiar with and follow the site-specific biosecurity procedures. All procedures and practices should be able to be implemented consistently.
- Eliminate opportunities for your birds to interact with wild birds. We know that wild waterfowl are carriers of disease, including Low and High Path avian influenza. The best way to avoid diseases that wildlife carry is to keep domestic animals separated from the wild.
- If you have birds at home, do not visit another farm, home, or facility that also has birds. If you must visit another premises, be sure to shower and put on clean clothes, shoes and hats/caps beforehand and upon returning.
- Remember that vehicles can be vehicles for disease transmission. Before you drive down the road, consider where you are going. Will you be heading to the fair, another farm or a poultry auction market? If the answer is yes, be sure your vehicle is clean and free of dirt, manure and other organic material.
- Early detection can help prevent the spread of disease. Knowing the signs to look for and monitoring the health of your birds on a regular basis is very important. Some signs to look for include nasal discharge, unusually quiet birds, sudden decreased food and water consumption, sudden drop in egg production, and increased/unusual death loss in multiple birds in your flock in a short amount of time.
- Report sick and dead poultry type birds to state health officials immediately. If your birds appear sick or you have experienced increased death rate, fill out our online sick bird report form or immediately call the SC State Veterinarian’s Office at 803-788-2260 or the SC USDA Office at 803-462-2910.
- Visit the Poultry Disease page for more information on Biosecurity or at USDA’s Defend the Flock.





For more information, click here for an excellent article courtesy of NPR.

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Our exotic animal hospital is dedicated exclusively to the care of birds, exotic small mammals, reptiles, and even fish! We can offer everything your pet needs for a healthy and happy life, from wellness care and grooming to diagnostics and dentistry, but we can also provide emergency care during our opening hours, along with more specialized treatment for referred patients.