CDC Survey Finds 1 in 3 Backyard Flock Owners Miss Bird Flu Signs

4 articles · Updated · CDC · May 14

A CDC survey of 638 U.S. backyard flock owners found major knowledge gaps on avian influenza, with about one-third unaware of signs and symptoms in birds or humans.
Only 32% correctly identified all bird symptoms and 16% identified all human symptoms, while 27% said they did not know human symptoms at all.
Knowledge mattered for protection: owners with higher avian-flu knowledge were more likely to say they would use recommended PPE when handling sick or dead birds; 77% said they would use an N95 or mask, but only 51% goggles.
Exposure risks were common in these flocks—54% said wild birds could access flock food or water, 71% had no veterinarian for flock advice, and just 57% said they would contact someone if birds showed signs of infection.
The findings come as H5 viruses continue circulating in U.S. wild birds and livestock, with 71 human A(H5) cases reported since March 2024, including three among backyard flock owners.

With a drug-resistant bird flu now circulating, are U.S. pandemic preparations dangerously behind the curve?

Bird flu now spreads from cats and cattle. Is the next human pandemic already brewing on American farms?

Flock owners know the risks but ignore precautions. What is the real reason they are gambling with a deadly virus?