Community Roundup: April 3

Know the health risks when raising backyard birds

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 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:

• 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.
• 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.

2025 grant applications open for free days in the state parks

Vermont Parks Forever has opened its Park Access Fund grant application for 2025. Since 2016, Vermont Parks Forever has granted over $85,000 to cover park entry fees and help create a more equitable outdoor experience throughout the state. This year, the Park Access Fund will again provide over 14,000 free days in the parks to community partners across Vermont.

Organizations serving Vermonters facing barriers to outdoor experiences can apply for a Park Access Grant. The deadline for this short application is April 11, 2025. The Park Access Grant is open to Vermont government agencies and non-profits with 501(c)(3) status serving Vermont.

“The Park Access Fund breaks down barriers for Vermonters who otherwise might not experience all that Vermont State Parks have to offer. The Fund provides free state park day passes to community partner organizations helping foster families, youth programs, those with developmental disabilities, BIPOC communities, new Americans, mental health clients and those with limited mobility, among others, enjoy all the benefits that come with time spent in the parks,” said Sarah Alberghini Winters, Vermont Parks Forever executive director.