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June 6, 2005 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: Sept. 1, 2005
DOMESTIC BIRDS, POULTRY NOT LIKELY
TO HARBOR ENCEPHALITIS VIRUSES
The chances of poultry and other domestic birds acquiring mosquito-transmitted encephalitis
viruses are relatively low. However, you can take precautions to further reduce that risk.
Problems with West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Western Equine
Encephalitis always increase during the summer – when mosquito populations generally are up
and more cases are reported.
The incidences of these viruses in chickens, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, chukars, ostriches
and emus in Illinois are relatively limited. In addition, natural immunity in chickens and turkeys
protects them from West Nile, and a vaccine is available to protect domestic poultry from Eastern
Equine Encephalitis.
The most common mode of transfer of West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis or
Western Equine Encephalitis is through infected mosquitoes, and only a small number of certain
species of mosquitoes carry the viruses. The viruses are transferred when mosquitoes bite an
infected wild bird, and then the same mosquito must bite a person or animal to transfer the virus.
West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis are types of
encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain, caused by the individual viruses.
Since West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Western Equine Encephalitis infect
wild birds such as crows and blue jays, farmers and homeowners often ask if poultry such as
chickens and turkeys can become infected. The answer is that the chances are unlikely.
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222/Domestic Birds
Chickens and turkeys can develop antibodies to WNV. Therefore, any infection chickens or
turkeys may sustain would be very mild and brief – and very unlikely to infect mosquitoes.
In addition, Eastern Equine Encephalitis is rarely diagnosed in confinement-reared
domestic poultry. While chickens, turkeys, ducks, pheasants, chukars and ratites (ostrich and
emus) are susceptible to this virus, there is a vaccine available for domestic poultry.
Although the chances of your poultry being infected with these viruses are low, it is still
important to take precautions that will protect your poultry and yourself.
Cases of encephalitis usually occur in the hot weather of late summer to early fall, but
mosquitoes can be active all year in Illinois. Therefore, we should take precautions all year.
Among the suggested precautions are to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your
home and neighborhood.
The number of mosquitoes can be reduced by reducing the amount of standing water
available for mosquito breeding.
This is done by disposing of all water-holding containers (including discarded tires);
cleaning clogged roof gutters; emptying water from wheelbarrows, boats, trailers, toys and pots;
turning over plastic wading pools when not in use; not allowing water to stagnate in bird baths,
ornamental pools, water gardens and swimming pools or their covers; and by altering the
landscape of your property to eliminate standing water.
Empty and clean birdbaths, wading pools, pet water bowls and other containers weekly.
In addition, to protect yourself from being bitten by mosquitoes, you can stay inside at
dawn, dusk and in the early evening; make sure window and door screens are "bug-tight"; use the
proper type of lighting outside; wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants; use electric fans at
outdoor events, since mosquitoes are repelled by winds; and use insect repellents.
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333/Domestic Birds
To reduce the likelihood of mosquito populations, make sure to eliminate standing water.
Check gutters to make sure they thoroughly drain. Remove old tires and containers that collect
water. Poultry watering containers should be dumped and refilled on a regular basis.
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This information provided by David Robson, Extension Educator, Horticulture, Springfield Center; Rhonda
Ferree, Unit Leader, Fulton County; and Dr. Phil Nixon, Extension Entomologist.
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
University of Illinois ▪ U.S. Department of Agriculture ▪ Local Extension Councils Cooperating
University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.