If you are raising chickens and other birds in your backyard, state authorities encourage you to protect your flock from avian flu.

A release from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said a current outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza began in January 2022. Almost every U.S. state has a reported HPAI detection in either a backyard or commercial flock, the agency said.

“All poultry owners should maintain the highest level of biosecurity as wild bird migrations along the Atlantic Flyway and recent HPAI detections in neighboring states confirm that HPAI remains present in our environment” said Dr. Charles Broaddus, State Veterinarian, VDACS.

Signs of HPAI include sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy or appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling or purple discoloration of head, eyelids, comb, hocks; nasal discharge; coughing; sneezing; incoordination; and diarrhea.

The following are a few steps ...