Avian Influenza Symptoms in Birds

Avian influenza (H5N1) is more commonly called "bird flu." It is devastating to all wild and domestic bird species and can potentially cross over to humans. Bird flu can wipe out a farm in days. The only cure is to kill all of the birds to keep it from spreading, and then you must disinfect the area.

  1. Types

    • There are two types of bird flu. Only one of these kinds is fatal to birds--high-path avian influenza (HPAI). The second type, low-path avian influenza, produces hardly any symptoms but, according to the USDA, it can mutate to HPAI.

    First Symptoms

    • According to the USDA, symptoms of low-path avian influenza include loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing and a drop in the number of eggs lain.

    Later Symptoms

    • Symptoms of HPAI include sudden loss of energy, loss of coordination, no appetite at all, eggs that are malformed or soft-shelled, discharge running from the nostrils, swollen heads, perpetually ruffled feathers and diarrhea.

    No Symptoms

    • UC Davis Veterinary Medical Extension reports that sometimes birds infected with HPAI will show absolutely no symptoms before they suddenly die.

    Considerations

    • Any farm birds that suddenly die should be suspected of having HPAI. Laws in most countries require that the farm owner or the veterinarian called to the farm needs to report to local authorities so they can come out and place the farm in quarantine.