Submitted By: Ashley Bigge, Ph.D., Penn State Extension Poultry Educator
Spring is here, and that means the return of migratory birds. While geese have been moving northward since the beginning of the year, now is the time for many other species to fill the skies overhead.
Wild birds pose a risk to poultry flocks of all sizes. They can carry infectious diseases, such as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), as well as parasites. When it comes to HPAI, waterfowl, such as geese and ducks, are the primary carriers and pose the highest risk. Next would be birds of prey and scavengers, such as vultures, that feed on waterfowl. Songbirds and other small birds, such as pigeons, are typically considered lower risk unless there are large concentrations of them on or near poultry premises. However, since 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed cases of HPAI in species including but not limited to house sparrows, rock pigeons, American robins, and European starlings. These cases are far fewer than those in waterfowl, but they show that these smaller birds can still be affected by the disease.
Overall, it is best to prevent contact between poultry and wild birds altogether. This includes not only direct contact with birds or their droppings, but also indirect contact via fomite transmission (boots and other objects that pick up and transfer pathogens from the environment). Here are some tips to reduce these interactions:
- Keep poultry in a sturdy enclosure with four walls and a roof. Identify gaps in the structure that birds could enter or nest in. Screens can be installed to maintain ventilation and be a barrier to wildlife.
- At minimum, wear clean clothes and put on clean, poultry-only footwear before entering poultry spaces. A disinfectant footbath or spray also helps prevent fomite transmission. Disinfectants do not work on dirty surfaces. Clean off any mud, manure, or debris with soap and warm water before applying disinfectant. Follow disinfectant label instructions for safety, application, and contact time.
- Provide potable water to poultry, such as from a tested well or municipal source. Surface water and rainwater are not recommended.
- Discuss a wildlife biosecurity assessment with your state’s USDA Wildlife Services office. They can identify wildlife species and attractants, and help with mitigation. To find your state office’s contact information, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/wildlife-state-offices
- Do not place wild bird feeders or baths in poultry spaces. Feeders and bird baths away from poultry spaces are okay, but should still be cleaned and disinfected every few weeks. Clean up spilled feed. Monitor wild birds visiting the feeder or bath for any signs of disease and contact your local Game Commission or your state’s USDA Wildlife Services office if you notice sick or dead wild birds. The Pennsylvania Game Commission can be reached at 1-833-PGC-WILD.
Small flock owners interested in learning more about biosecurity recommendations and best practices are invited to join Penn State Extension for a free webinar titled “Biosecurity for Small Poultry Flocks and Homesteads” on May 14, 2026 at 5:00pm EST. Visit our website for registration and more information: https://extension.psu.edu/biosecurity-for-small-poultry-flocks-and-homesteads
We also recommend visiting our website for more information on HPAI and additional resources: https://extension.psu.edu/avian-influenza
