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As a migratory bird biologist I would like to address two points about topics mentioned in this story.  First, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is primarily a POULTRY disease with serious human health consequences.  Wild birds are NOT the reservoir for HPAI but can help spread it from poultry outbreaks.  Worldwide most of the spread of HPAI has been been in poultry and poultry products with secondary spread by wild birds.  HPAI has NOT been found in North America.  The current health threat from HPAI is minimal in backyard chickens but if it became established proper biosecurity such as keeping your chickens isolated from wild birds and other chickens will be vitally important.

Also since you mentioned the eagle attempting to take a backyard chicken, you should let your readers know that migratory birds are protected by Federal law.  It is illegal to kill, wound or capture any wild bird even a hawk, eagle or owl while attempting to protect your chickens.  Keep you chickens in a properly designed and constructed coop will help you from having to deal with predators.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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