What Backyard Flock Owners Need to Know about Bird Flu (Influenza H5N1)

Ashley McLeod-Morin , , , C. Sanders, Colleen Larson, Ricky Telg, andAnnabel Henson

Release Date: 10/6/2025

DOI: 10.32473/edis-an402-2025

Agriculture

Abstract

Bird flu is caused by the H5N1 subtype of influenza A virus. Among migratory birds and poultry, this virus can be highly contagious and cause severe disease and death. Biosecurity and proper hygiene significantly reduce this risk. This publication aims to help owners of backyard flocks protect their birds and identify possible signs of influenza H5N1 infection. Written by A. McLeod-Morin, B. D. Anderson, G. Morris, C. Sanders, C. Larson, R. Telg, and A. Henson, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Animal Sciences, September 2025.

About this Publication

This document is AN402, one of a series of the Department of Animal Sciences, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date September 2025. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication. © 2025 UF/IFAS. This publication is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

How to Cite

McLeod-Morin, A., Anderson, B. D., Morris, G., Sanders, C. B., Larson, C., Telg, R., & Henson, A. (2025). What Backyard Flock Owners Need to Know about Bird Flu (Influenza H5N1). EDIS, 2025(5). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-an402-2025

Authors

Ashley McLeod-Morin

Contact

Specialist

University of Florida

associate director of strategic communication, Ph.D., Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources

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Benjamin D. Anderson

assistant professor, MHS program director, Department of Environmental and Global Health, UF College of Public Health and Health Professions, Gainesville, FL

Glenn Morris

former director, UF Emerging Pathogens Institute, Gainesville, FL