Know the Health Risks When Raising Backyard Birds

For Immediate Release: March 25, 2025

Media Contacts: 

Kyle Casteel │ Vermont Department of Health

Scott Waterman | Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

Know the Health Risks When Raising Backyard Birds
Even clean and healthy-looking poultry can carry harmful germs

WATERBURY, VT –  As warmer weather and peeping baby chicks mark the springtime return of migrating wild birds and backyard flocks, state health and agriculture officials are encouraging people to keep themselves and their feathered friends healthy.

Domestic poultry kept for producing eggs or meat can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, including Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli and avian influenza (bird flu), that can make people sick. Children younger than 5 years old, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe illness from the germs poultry can carry. Knowing how to protect your birds can keep you and your family safer from these health risks.  

“Raising baby poultry like chicks, ducklings and goslings in your backyard can offer many benefits, such as fresh eggs, opportunities to connect with nature, and education for children and families,” said Dr. Natalie Kwit, the state’s public health veterinarian. “But these animals can carry germs that make people sick, so it's important to take steps to stay healthy — like washing hands after any contact with birds, their eggs, and areas where birds live or roam."

Wild birds can be a source of viruses, potentially infecting domestic poultry and other animals. The H5N1 bird flu virus is most commonly spread to domestic poultry through direct contact with infected waterfowl like ducks and geese, or their droppings. While waterfowl can carry the H5N1 bird flu virus without becoming sick, it is often fatal for domestic poultry. While these viruses usually do not infect people, the risk is higher for people who work with infected poultry or dairy cattle. Since 2022, there have been five backyard flocks impacted by H5N1 in Vermont. There have been no human or dairy cattle cases of H5N1 bird flu in Vermont or any northeastern states.

Whether you are building your first coop, are a seasoned poultry owner, or are just visiting a farm or county fair, take these precautions to protect yourself, your family and your flock:

General Precautions

Wash your hands with soap and hot water after touching live poultry, their eggs or objects in the area where they live or roam.
Supervise children around poultry, and make sure they wash their hands thoroughly after interacting with birds.
Don’t kiss or snuggle backyard poultry. 
Collect eggs regularly and throw away any cracked ones. Clean eggs with fine sandpaper, a brush, or a cloth before putting them in the refrigerator.
Keep backyard poultry and items used to care for them outside and away from areas where food or drinks are prepared, served, stored, or where dishes are cleaned.
Don’t eat or drink in areas where poultry live or roam.
Set aside a pair of shoes to wear while tending to poultry and keep those shoes outside.
Stay outdoors when cleaning any equipment or materials used to raise or care for poultry, such as cages or food and water containers.
Clean the coop, floor, nests and perches regularly.

Additional H5N1 Bird Flu Precautions

Keep your flock and your family away from wild waterfowl like ducks and geese and their droppings. Ensure your birds do not share a water source with wild waterfowl.
Do not touch dead wild or domestic birds. If you need to touch them, wear protective gear.
Report dead birds if the cause is unknown or there is a suspicion of H5N1 bird flu. You can call the State Veterinarian at 802-828-2421 or the USDA’s toll-free number at 1-866-536-7593.

Anyone involved with poultry production – from small backyard coops to large commercial producers – should review their biosecurity plans and activities to ensure the health of their birds. If you have concerns about your flock, contact your veterinarian or call 802-828-2421. 

Learn more about backyard poultry safety from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more about poultry biosecurity and avian flu preparedness, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.

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About the Department of Health
We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters. Visit HealthVermont.gov ─ Join us @healthvermont on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

About the Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) facilitates, supports and encourages the growth and viability of agriculture in Vermont while protecting the working landscape, human health, animal health, plant health, consumers and the environment.