Poultry Farms Bird Flu Avian Influenza

Why The Fall Season Brings Not Only Flu Season but Bird Flu Risks Too

Avitrol Corportation | September 12, 2025

As temperatures drop and leaves change color, we all know fall signals the start of human flu season. But what many facility managers, agricultural operators, and property owners overlook is that autumn also marks a critical time for avian influenza (bird flu) risks. With millions of wild birds moving south, the potential for exposure rises sharply.

Why Bird Flu Risk Peaks in the Fall

Every autumn, migratory birds travel from northern breeding grounds to warmer wintering areas. This massive movement of wild birds coincides with:

Greater mixing of species - Ducks, geese, shorebirds, and other waterfowl congregate in larger numbers.
More stopover sites near human activity - Birds refuel at reservoirs, agricultural fields, and urban water features.
Stress and disease transmission - Migration stresses birds, making them more susceptible to infections and more likely to shed viruses.

Together, these factors create a perfect storm for avian influenza spread right when human flu season also peaks.

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What Bird Flu Means for Facilities and Agriculture

For commercial facilities, farms, and public spaces, bird flu risks aren’t limited to poultry. Large numbers of migratory birds can:

Contaminate water supplies and food storage areas.
Increase droppings, which can harbor pathogens.
Attract predators or scavengers that spread disease further.

Even if your facility doesn’t handle live animals, wild bird activity can still compromise safety and sanitation protocols.

Key Steps to Reduce Bird Flu Risk This Fall

Strengthen Bird Control Programs
- Update deterrents before peak migration dates.
- Work with professionals to ensure humane, effective methods (Avitrol).
Enhance Sanitation and Monitoring
- Clean droppings promptly.
- Seal or screen water sources and feed storage.
- Increase inspection frequency during peak migration months.
Manage Light Pollution and Access Points
- Reducing night lighting can lower bird collision and congregation.
- Close unnecessary entrances and seal structural gaps to keep birds out.
Communicate and Train Staff
- Make sure employees know the signs of sick birds.

Establish reporting protocols if unusual bird die-offs occur nearby.

Why Planning Now Matters

Waiting until birds are already onsite can mean higher costs, more disruption, and increased exposure risk. Proactive planning before and during the migration season is the most cost-effective way to maintain safety, compliance, and operational continuity.