Watch for Disease in Your Flock
It is important to know the warning signs of diseases such as Avian influenza. Birds with HPAI produce more virus over time. Early detection helps prevent the spread of disease. Inspect your flock and look for these signs:
- Increase in unexplained deaths in your flock, with or without symptoms.
- Sneezing, gasping for air, coughing, and/or runny nose.
- Decrease in water and feed consumption.
- Watery, green diarrhea.
- Lack of energy or unusually quiet.
- Drop in egg production, or soft or thin-shelled, misshapen eggs.
- Swelling around the eyes, neck, or head.
- Purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs.
If You Suspect Avian Influenza
Don't wait, call immediately to report sick or dead poultry to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Animal Health Division at 617-626-1795, or through the USDA at 1-866-536-7593, or use the Poultry Disease Reporting Form. Do not remove any birds on or off your premises.
