October 8, 2025

As Fall Migration Begins, State Agencies Encourage Biosecurity and Request Public to Report Deceased Wild Birds

Richmond, Va. – As the annual migration of wild waterfowl resumes this fall, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virgina Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) encourage backyard bird owners to practice biosecurity to protect their flocks from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

The public is also encouraged to report instances of wild bird deaths that meet the following criteria to wildlifehealth@dwr.virginia.gov or by calling the DWR Wildlife Conflict Helpline at 855.571.9003.

• Five or more dead vultures, waterfowl, shorebirds, or seabirds in the same area within five days
• Sick or dead eagles, hawks, owls, or turkeys, excluding carcasses found on the road
• Ten or more dead wild birds of any other species in the same area within five days

“As wild bird migrations are underway along the Atlantic Flyway, the HPAI virus remains present in our environment. All poultry owners, especially backyard flock owners, should maintain the highest level of biosecurity to protect their flocks,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, State Veterinarian, VDACS.

HPAI is a highly contagious airborne respiratory virus that spreads quickly among birds through nasal and eye secretions and manure. The virus can be spread through interaction between wild birds and domestic birds, flock to flock, equipment, vehicles, and on the clothing and shoes of caretakers. This virus affects poultry, like chickens, ducks, turkeys, and wild bird species such as ducks, geese, shorebirds, and raptors. The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service maintains a list of all HPAI detections in commercial and backyard flocks at www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/avian-influenza/hpai-2022/2022-hpai-commercial-backyard-flocks.

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.

Anyone involved with poultry production from the small backyard flock to the large commercial producer should review their biosecurity activities to assure the health of their birds. The following are a few steps backyard bird owners can take to protect their flocks:

• Prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. Ensure poultry cannot access areas where wild waterfowl or vultures are present.
• Wash your hands before and after handling birds as well as when moving between different coops.
• Disinfect boots and other gear when moving between coops.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between coops or other farms.
• Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and other supplies between uses. If it cannot be disinfected, discard it.
• Use well or municipal water as drinking water for birds.
• Keep poultry feed secure to ensure there is no contact between the feed/feed ingredients and wild birds or rodents.
• Look for signs of illness. Know the warning signs of infectious bird diseases.
• Report sick or dying birds immediately by calling a local veterinarian or the State Veterinarian’s Office at (804) 692-0601 or at vastatevet@vdacs.virginia.gov, or the USDA’s toll-free number, (866) 536-7593.

Biosecurity information and resources are available at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-avian-influenza.shtml and www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/animal-disease-information/avian/defend-the-flock-program/dtf-resources/dtf-resources. Additional information on biosecurity for backyard flocks can be found at http://healthybirds.aphis.usda.gov.

For more information about HPAI in wild birds including guidelines for waterfowl hunters, please visit the DWR Avian Influenza webpage.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assessed the risk of HPAI infections to the general U.S. population as low. The proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165˚F kills bacteria and viruses, including HPAI. For more information, please visit the Virginia Department of Health avian influenza webpage.