There’s been a lot of chatter in the news lately about bird flu, and for good reason. At Sprague, we’re staying ahead of the issue by educating our teams—and now we’re bringing that same information to you, our customers.
Here’s a quick update on what’s happening, how it could impact your business, and the precautions we recommend.
What’s Going On?
While bird flu (caused by avian influenza A viruses) isn’t new, the current outbreak is gaining attention for some unexpected reasons. In California, for example, it has recently affected dairy cattle, not just poultry. Some milk processors have even reported supply disruptions due to outbreaks in herds. Colorado has seen both poultry and cattle-related human cases, and while Nevada has only had a few instances, they’ve also been tied to dairy.
This strain of bird flu appears to be spreading across a wider range of species and geographies than usual. It’s even been detected in wild birds—like European starlings, pigeons, and house sparrows—across the U.S.
How Does It Spread?
Bird flu is high contagious among animals and is transmitted in a few key ways:
- Direct contact with infected birds or animals (especially in agricultural settings).
- Indirect contact, such as touching surfaces contaminated with bird body fluids.
- Airborne particles, especially in enclosed or unventilated areas.
- Contaminated food, including raw milk or raw pet food.
At-risk employees include anyone working in animal environments or cleaning up after birds, livestock, or wildlife activity – common agricultural, food production, and distribution industries.
Can It Affect People?
Yes, although it’s still relatively rare, there have been human cases linked to exposure to infected birds or dairy herds. It’s worth noting that the virus can be found in bird feces, saliva, and nasal secretions, which means that close interaction—even cleaning up droppings—can present a risk.
How Sprague is Taking Action
Team Education and Training
We’re educating every Sprague team member on the latest data and transmission routes, with regular training led by our Board-Certified Entomologists. The same trusted advisors who monitor your pest program are staying up-to-date on the avian flu.
Enhanced PPE Protocols
Our team members are equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working in high-risk environments.
Sanitation Awareness
Proper sanitation is key. Our service team are trained to identify and report signs of bird activity, fecal contamination and nesting sites – especially in overhead structures, attics, ledges, and near HVAC units.
We offer specialized bird management services including:
- Bird exclusion work to seal off entry points.
- Cleanup and decontamination of dropping.
- Monitoring for signs of nesting and congregation.
Watch for Updates
The CDC provides regularly updated data on bird flu detections, including county-specific maps. If you’re curious about what’s happening in your area, check out the CDC’s bird flu surveillance site.
And yes—there have even been unconfirmed reports of bird flu in rats in parts of California. The virus is mutating and finding new hosts, which is why it’s important to stay informed.
Final Thoughts
At Sprague, we take biosecurity seriously because it matters not just to our employees, but to our customers and the food supply chain as a whole. Whether you’re operating a food processing facility, a distribution center, or a hospitality business, protecting your people and product starts with awareness and proactive prevention.
Got questions? Your Sprague service partner is here to help. We’re keeping our teams trained, our protocols updated, and our eyes on emerging risks.