Backyard birds like chicken, ducks and quail, can be a great source of fresh eggs and a fun hobby but they also come with important health responsibilities. Although birds may look healthy and clean, they can still carry germs like salmonella, campylobacter and avian influenza (bird flu) that can make you sick. These germs spread through contact with the birds’ feathers, droppings, coops and eggs. Young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of infection.
Prevention measures
You can reduce the risk of illness and keep your family, your flock and your community healthy by taking steps to prevent infection. Watch this video and read below for tips on preventing disease.
Practice good hygiene
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling birds, eggs or any equipment in their environment.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth or eyes while interacting with the birds.
- Keep hand sanitizer near your coop for easy access.
Handle chickens safely
- Do not kiss or snuggle your flock.
- Designate separate clothing and footwear for tending to birds to avoid cross-contamination inside your home.
- Prevent young children from handling the animals without supervision.
Keep your coop clean
- Regularly clean and disinfect coops, feeders, waterers and tools.
- Remove soiled bedding and manure frequently to minimize bacterial buildup and pest attraction.
- Ensure proper ventilation in the coop to reduce moisture, which can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
Prevent the spread of disease
- Quarantine new birds before introducing them to your flock.
- Protect your flock from wild birds and rodents, which may carry diseases.
- Monitor your flock for signs of illness, such as lethargy, reduced appetite or respiratory issues.
- Consult a veterinarian if you suspect illness in your flock.
Sick or dead birds
- Backyard birds
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If you raise backyard birds (such as chickens, ducks, or turkeys), you are legally required to report suspected cases of serious bird diseases like avian influenza (bird flu).
If your birds appear sick or you suspect bird flu:
- Contact a veterinarian right away, or
- Call the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health Office in Guelph at 226-217-1200 (or the office nearest you).
Keep people and pets away from the birds until you receive further instructions. Avoid moving birds, equipment or feed between coops to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
- Wild birds
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If you find a sick or dead wild bird on your property:
- Report it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) as soon as possible. They monitor bird health and help track potential disease outbreaks like avian influenza.
- You can also contact your local municipality for guidance.
If the bird is found on municipal or public property:
- Report it to the municipality. Do not attempt to handle or remove the bird yourself.
- Safety and disposal
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Before handling any sick or dead birds, take these safety precautions to protect yourself and prevent the spread of disease:
- Do not touch sick or dead birds with your bare hands.
- If you must handle a dead bird, wear disposable gloves or use a shovel or similar tool.
- Keep pets and children away from the area.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after any contact, even if you wore gloves.
- Clean and disinfect any tools used, first with soap and water, then a household disinfectant.
If you need to dispose of a dead bird on your property:
- Bury the bird at least two feet deep and away from water sources.
- Before digging, contact Ontario One Call to locate underground utilities.
- If burial isn’t possible, contact your municipality for disposal options.
Current poultry disease information
Staying informed about the latest developments in avian influenza is essential for effective prevention and response.
Avian Influenza Updates
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA): Latest bird flu situation
- CFIA: Status of ongoing avian influenza response by province
- CFIA: Investigations and orders of avian influenza in domestic birds by province
Biosecurity Standards
- Poultry Industry Council: Biosecurity and Disease
- Canada biosecurity standards: National Avian On-Farm Biosecurity Standard - 2nd edition
Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations
Additional resources
For more information on safe backyard poultry keeping, visit the following links:
- Canadian Food Inspection Agency resources:
- Ontario Ministry of Agriculture: Raise healthy small flock poultry
Check with your local bylaw office to ensure compliance with specific rules in your area. For a list of contacts by municipality, visit our Common Household Concerns webpage.
For questions or concerns, call 1-800-265-7293 ext. 4753 to speak to a Public Health Inspector.