How can I protect my backyard birds from avian flu

1. Keep Distance:
- Restrict access to your property and birds to minimize exposure to potentially infected wild birds or other birds from different farms[9][10].

2. Cleanliness:
- Clean and disinfect your clothes, shoes, equipment, and hands before and after handling your birds or their enclosures[9][10].

3. Prevent Contact:
- Ensure your birds are kept away from any source of water that could have been contaminated by wild birds[9].
- Use an enclosed shelter and fence outdoor areas to prevent wild birds from entering[10].

4. Report Sick Birds:
- Monitor your birds for signs of avian influenza such as sudden death, low energy, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, or purple discoloration[11].
- Immediately report any suspected infections to your veterinarian or state animal health official[11].

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wear PPE such as safety goggles, gloves, rubber boots, N95 respirator, coveralls, and head cover when handling sick or dead birds or cleaning contaminated areas[12].

6. Cleaning and Disinfecting:
- Clean and disinfect all equipment and surfaces that may have come into contact with infected birds or their waste[12].

7. Quarantine:
- Isolate new or returning birds from your flock for at least 30 days to ensure they are not infected[10].

8. Avoid Sharing Equipment:
- Do not share equipment or supplies with other bird owners to prevent cross-contamination[9][10].

By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of avian flu transmission to your backyard birds.