While most Western Pennsylvanians look forward to that harbinger of spring — the return of songbirds to local fields, forests and backyards — the migration can be harmful to poultry.

Russell Redding, state Department of Agriculture secretary, reminded poultry owners to protect their birds from the highly pathogenic avian influenza, which is commonly known as “bird flu.”

“The best line of offense is a strong defense,” Redding said. “Poultry producers should review and use strong biosecurity practices as part of their daily routine to protect their flocks, as well as Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry.”

He said both commercial producers and backyard flock owners can take the following measures to protect their birds and operations:

• Keep visitors to a minimum, don’t allow contact between poultry and visitors, keep track of everyone who visits and follow biosecurity principles.

• Wash hands before and after contact with live poultry.

• Provide disposable boot covers or clean boots to anyone having contact with poultry.

• Have visitors wear protective outer garments or disposable coveralls, boots and headgear when handling birds, and remove it or change clothes when leaving the birds’ housing.

• Clean and disinfect tools and equipment before moving them to a new poultry facility.

• Report sick birds to a veterinarian, Butler County’s Penn State Cooperative Extension or a state veterinarian.

• Keep poultry away from areas frequented by wild birds.

• Maintain sanitation of property, poultry houses, equipment, vehicles and footwear.

The signs and symptoms of HPAI are sudden death of a bird without clinical signs, decreased egg production or imperfect eggs, swelling, purple discoloration, nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, incoordination and diarrhea.

HPAI impacted 25 commercial flocks and 10 backyard flocks in Pennsylvania, which resulted in the loss of more than 4.3 million birds.

HPAI can sicken or kill both domesticated and wild birds. Information is available at agriculture.pa.gov.