Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral disease that primarily affects wild ducks and waterfowl birds. This disease originates in wild ducks in the far north. During migration, they cross the U.S, landing in rivers, streams, or local ponds, thereby infecting local non-migratory ducks. The feces of these wild ducks/birds can be carried on a person's shoes and transferred to their enclosed poultry flock, pet birds at home, or a local feed store, where others may come into contact with it.

While some strains pose little risk, others, such as H5N1 and H5N8, can be deadly. As a responsible bird owner, it's crucial to take steps to protect your pet birds from exposure. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pet birds safe from bird flu.

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Understand How Bird Flu Spreads

Bird flu spreads through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated surfaces, and airborne particles. Wild birds, especially waterfowl, are the most common carriers. They shed the virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and droppings, which can then contaminate food, water, and surfaces. The disease can also spread through:

• Contact with infected birds

• Contaminated food and water sources

• Bird droppings and feather dust

• Equipment, clothing, or hands that have been in contact with the virus

How to prevent Bird Flu infecting Pet Birds

• Do not visit local parks or rivers or any area where wild ducks will locate because their feces are on the ground and can end up on your shoes!.

• Do not enter any local pet stores or Farm food supply stores as those locations may be visited by owners of poultry farms which may have ducks. You can pick up the dangerous diseased feces on your shoes and carry it home to your house and bird. Instead order specific bird food and have it delivered.

• Do not pick up any sick or dead wild birds you see outdoors. Instead call your local wild bird rehab and inform them OR call your vet and ask for the local rehab phone number if you don't know it. Scavenger birds are dying from eating those wild dead birds. Hawks and eagles may be very sick. Do not touch them.

• Do not have visitors to your home who might be doing any of the above as they could transmit the disease on their shoes when they enter your home and thus infect your birds. That is the major way pet birds living in homes are infected...feces on shoes of someone who visited ponds or farm food stores.

Keep Your Birds Indoors or in a Secure Aviary

One of the best ways to prevent exposure is to limit your pet bird’s contact with wild birds and their droppings.

• Keep birds indoors during outbreaks to avoid airborne transmission.

• If your birds are housed in an outdoor aviary, ensure it is fully enclosed with fine mesh wire to prevent wild birds from entering.

• Avoid placing cages or aviaries near open windows where wild birds can perch or defecate.

• If you have outside aviaries COVER THE OPEN AREAS ENTIRELY so that no feces can drop thru onto perches, or into food and water bowls, as THAT is how birds in outside aviaries can be infected with bird flu...from wild bird feces. 

Practice Good Hygiene and Biosecurity

Maintaining strict hygiene is essential for preventing the spread of bird flu. Here are some biosecurity measures you should follow:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling your birds.

• Change your shoes and clothing after being outside, especially if you’ve visited places where wild birds congregate.

• Disinfect cages, perches, food bowls, and tools regularly using a bird-safe disinfectant.

• Do not share bird supplies (e.g., toys, perches, feeders) with other bird owners.

• Limit visitors to your bird area and ensure they follow hygiene practices.

How Dogs and Cats Can Bring Bird Flu Into Your Home

Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors can unknowingly bring bird flu into the house, posing a risk to pet birds. If they walk through areas contaminated with infected bird droppings—such as yards, parks, or ponds—they can carry the virus on their paws, fur, or even their mouths if they scavenge dead birds. Once inside, they may transfer the virus to floors, carpets, or furniture, where pet birds could come into contact with it. To reduce this risk, regularly clean your pets' paws before they enter the house, avoid letting them roam in areas with wild birds, and keep their food and water separate from your birds' supplies.

Keep Food and Water Sources Clean

Bird flu can spread through contaminated water and food. To minimize risk:

• Provide fresh, clean water daily and avoid using outdoor water sources.

• Use covered feeders and water dispensers to prevent contamination from droppings.

• Avoid feeding wild birds near your home, as this attracts potential carriers.

Monitor for Symptoms and Seek Veterinary Care

Early detection of bird flu is crucial. While symptoms can vary, common signs of infection include:

• Lethargy or sudden death

• Difficulty breathing or nasal discharge

• Swollen head, comb, or wattles (in poultry)

• Loss of appetite or sudden drop in egg production

• Greenish or watery droppings

• Neurological signs such as tremors or lack of coordination

If you suspect your bird may have been exposed or is showing symptoms, contact an avian veterinarian immediately.Quick intervention can help prevent the spread and improve the chances of recovery.

Stay Informed on Bird Flu Outbreaks

Outbreaks can happen anywhere, so it’s essential to stay updated:

• Check reports from local wildlife and agricultural authorities about bird flu in your area.

• Follow avian veterinary organizations for guidance.

• If there is an outbreak nearby, take extra precautions by keeping your birds isolated and avoiding any unnecessary trips to areas with wild birds.

Avoid Bringing New Birds Into Your Flock Without Quarantine

If you adopt or rescue new birds, quarantine them for at least 30 days before introducing them to your existing flock. This allows time to monitor for any signs of illness and prevents potential disease transmission.

• Keep quarantined birds in a separate room or enclosure.

• Handle quarantined birds after your healthy birds to avoid cross-contamination.

• Use separate feeding and cleaning equipment.

Final Thoughts

Bird flu is a serious threat to both wild and pet birds, but with proper biosecurity measures, you can protect your pet birds. By keeping them indoors, maintaining strict hygiene, monitoring for symptoms, and staying informed on outbreaks, you can reduce the risk of exposure and keep your birds healthy and safe.

If you suspect bird flu in your area or within your flock, contact your avian veterinarian and local animal health authorities immediately. Your proactive approach can make all the difference in preventing the spread of this deadly disease.

NOTE.  When a major disease outbreak hit poultry farms in S California years ago, the Agriculture agents went around to vaccinate poultry farms...BUT, THEY CARRIED THE DISEASE ON THEIR BOOTS AND ON THE VEHICLE TIRES and so they spread the disease to many other poultry farms. This info is stated in the published USDA REPORT on that disease outbreak. I have a copy of it.

NOTE. A few years ago there was a bird disease discussed on TV news so everyone would be prepared. HOWEVER, the details were insufficient. Pet bird owners with INDOOR ONLY birds were taking their pet birds to bird breeders because they THOUGHT their pet birds indoors were a danger to them. SO, be very careful about ANY information on bird disease and DO contact someone with the real information, like your vet or national bird organization leaders.

Articles 

Author Laurella Desborough, Monika Sangar

Laurella Desborough is a dedicated aviculturist with a profound passion for the health and welfare of all living creatures. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University and a Master of Arts from the University of California, Los Angeles. Over two decades, she has served as a board member and president or CEO for five organizations, including the American Federation of Aviculture and the Aviculture Microbiology Foundation, Inc. As an author, Laurella has contributed to publications such as Bird Talk, AFA Watchbird, and Cage Bird Magazine, and co-authored the "Guide to Eclectus Parrots."

Monika Sangar is a dedicated bird rescue and author with a lifelong passion for pet bird care and bird health. As both a bird owner/rescuer and a molecular biologist, she shares her knowledge and experiences to help others become better bird owners. 

PDS is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (tax id #46-2470926)

Bird rescues play a critical role in providing care, rehabilitation, and permanent homes for parrots and other avian species that have been abandoned, neglected, or surrendered. These organizations rely heavily on the generosity and support of animal lovers like you to continue their life-saving work. If you're wondering how you can make a difference, here are the top five ways to support bird rescues:

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Make a Donation

One of the simplest and most effective ways to support bird rescues is by donating money. Rescues often face high costs for veterinary care, food, housing, and enrichment. A monetary contribution helps cover these essential expenses and ensures that rescued birds receive the care they need.

Many rescues also accept in-kind donations such as:

• Bird food and treats
• Perches and toys
• Cleaning supplies (e.g., paper towels, non-toxic disinfectants)

Check your local rescue’s website or social media for specific wish lists. Even a small contribution can have a big impact!

Volunteer Your Time

Bird rescues often need help with daily operations, from cleaning cages to feeding birds and organizing events. Volunteering is a hands-on way to make a tangible difference while learning more about avian care.

Tasks might include:

• Assisting with cleaning and feeding schedules
• Socializing birds to help them adjust to human interaction
• Helping with administrative work, such as managing social media or organizing fundraisers

Whether you can spare a few hours a week or just a single day, your time and skills are invaluable.

Foster a Bird

If you have experience with birds, fostering is an incredible way to help. Many rescues are at capacity and rely on foster homes to care for birds until they can be adopted. Fostering provides birds with a quieter environment and personalized attention, which can be especially beneficial for those recovering from trauma or neglect.

Fostering also helps birds become more socialized, making them more adoptable in the long term. Check with your local rescue to learn about fostering requirements and opportunities.

Spread the Word

Social media is a powerful tool for supporting rescues. Sharing posts about adoptable birds, rescue success stories, and fundraising campaigns can help expand a rescue’s reach and connect them with more supporters.

Here’s how you can help:

• Follow your favorite rescues on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Share their posts with your friends and family.
• Create your own posts to raise awareness about the plight of rescue birds.

Every share helps spread the message and increase the chances of birds finding forever homes.

Adopt, Don’t Shop

If you’re ready to welcome a pet bird into your home, consider adopting from a rescue instead of buying from a breeder or pet store. Rescues have birds of all sizes and species looking for loving homes.

By adopting, you’re giving a bird a second chance at life and freeing up space at the rescue for another bird in need. Rescues often provide post-adoption support and resources to ensure a successful transition.

Bonus Tip: Advocate for Birds

Educate others about the responsibilities of bird ownership and the importance of adopting instead of buying. Many birds end up in rescues because people underestimate the time, commitment, and care required to keep these intelligent, long-lived animals happy and healthy.

Supporting bird rescues is a meaningful way to give back and help these beautiful creatures thrive. Whether through donations, fostering, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every effort counts. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of rescued birds and help create a brighter future for these incredible animals.

Author Monika Sangar

Monika Sangar is a dedicated bird rescue and author with a lifelong passion for pet bird care and bird health. As both a bird owner/rescuer and a molecular biologist, she shares her knowledge and experiences to help others become better bird owners. 

PDS is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (tax id #46-2470926)