The Connecticut Department of Agriculture is urging poultry owners and those with backyard flocks to practice biosecurity measures as bird flu continues to be a threat across the country.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza, or bird flu, “continues to pose a serious threat to domestic poultry” in Connecticut, according to officials. The virus is highly contagious and often fatal to birds. In recent years, bird flu outbreaks have caused significant economic losses across the country.
In Connecticut, the last confirmed cases were detected in backyard flocks in January 2025. The virus was confirmed in two backyard flocks located in New London County and New Haven County, according to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture. The backyard flock in New London County consisted of chickens, ducks and peacocks that were family pets, not commercial poultry, and had close contact with wild birds in a nearby pond, officials said. The announcement on Jan. 17, 2025 was the state’s first positive confirmation of the virus.
No cases have been detected this year, according to the agency. While the virus can cause human sickness, risk remains low, according to officials.
“Spring is an exciting time to expand or start flocks, especially for backyard owners” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “This is also a high-risk period for disease spread. Through a collaborative biosecurity effort, we can reduce risks to birds, businesses, and the entire agricultural community.”
To protect both flock and human health, all live poultry being transported into Connecticut is required to have an official health certificate from the state of exportation and a permit issued by the Commissioner of Agriculture, according to the agency.
The agency said that waterfowl including mallard ducks are thought to be the principal asymptomatic carriers of HPAI.
Bird owners and the public are reminded that sick or dead birds, both wild and domestic, should not be picked up, brought home or taken to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator if they are displaying signs of H5N1 infection.
Instead, backyard and commercial flock owners are encouraged to report anything unusual to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture at 860-713-2505 or [email protected] or the USDA at 866-536-7593.
The agency has outlined tips to keep poultry safe including:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling your flock.
- Have dedicated outerwear and boot covers or boots when working with your flock. Remember to clean and disinfect them regularly.
- Look for signs of illness and report sick birds immediately to the Connecticut State Veterinarian at 860-713-2505 or [email protected].
- Keep birds housed or in secure, covered runs to prevent contact with wild birds, especially ducks and geese.
- Protect feed and water from contamination by wildlife; avoid open ponds or surface water shared with wild waterfowl.
- Clean and disinfect equipment, footwear, and vehicles; limit visitors and require biosecurity measures.
- Separate new or returning birds from the main flock and quarantine for observation.
Stephen Underwood can be reached at [email protected]