A veterinary clinic that examines a sick hen from a backyard flock one moment and a parrot or canary the next can unknowingly become a place where a dangerous virus spreads. As autumn arrives, the risk of avian influenza infections rises significantly, making it a good time to check whether your clinic has clear procedures for admitting avian patients. Below you'll find the key rules that will help protect patients, staff, and clients.
In autumn, wild birds migrate to their wintering grounds and spread the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus. Along the way, they contaminate water, fields, and outdoor runs, while low temperatures help the virus survive in the environment. In 2026, the disease was detected not only on large commercial farms but also in small backyard flocks, whose owners often rely on veterinary clinics. HPAI is a notifiable disease, so every suspected case must be reported immediately to the District Veterinary Officer.
The entire clinic team, including the reception staff, should know the warning signs. If they appear, the owner should not bring the bird in without first consulting the clinic by phone. The key symptoms are:
The foundation is triage right at registration. Reception staff ask about symptoms, the number of sick and dead birds, and any contact with poultry or wild birds. Birds are best seen at the end of the working day and taken straight to a designated examination room, bypassing the shared waiting area. When symptoms are unclear, staff wear gloves, a gown, a mask, and eye protection, and after the visit they disinfect the table and equipment with a virucidal agent. The clinic should not accept dead wild birds. Anyone who finds one should be referred to the District Veterinary Inspectorate.
A lot depends on the owners themselves, so at the start of the season it's worth reminding bird owners of the basic rules: limiting contact between poultry and wild birds, securing feed and water, and calling the vet before bringing in a sick bird. With VetFile, you can quickly send such a message by SMS to a selected group of clients. This way, the clinic looks after its patients' safety and shows clients that it stays on top of current threats.
Avian influenza is a threat that cannot be completely prevented, but a clinic can effectively reduce the risk of it spreading. A few simple rules are enough: triage at registration, a separate pathway for birds, proper protective equipment, and prompt contact with the Veterinary Inspection. It's worth putting them in place now, before the migration season peaks. A well-prepared team works calmly and efficiently, even when a bird with worrying symptoms arrives at the clinic.