Bird Flu / Avian Influenza: Symptoms, Prevention

In 2009, the United States, Canada, and Mexico reported the first outbreak of bird flu (H5N1) in poultry. Since then, the number of outbreaks in poultry has increased significantly. 

The disease can also infest humans. WHO recently published a study indicating that bird flu in humans may not be as deadly as commonly believed.

The Basics of Avian Influenza.

Avian Influenza H5N1 (bird flu) or avian flu is a contagious respiratory infection caused by two strains of the influenza virus: the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus and the low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus. 

Avian flu can cause death and even more severe illness in chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks. It is more common in wild birds such as egrets than in domestic birds.

Having a solid biosecurity plan can help prevent the AI virus from spreading. This article explores the importance of biosecurity measures in controlling and preventing avian flu outbreaks.

Transmission of avian flu

Four days to two weeks is the range for the transmission of the virus by inhaling or swallowing.

• Transmission occurs when an infected bird meets another bird.
• Contamination can occur through the consumption of contaminated feed and water.
• A person in contact with infected birds can spread it.
• From damaged and contaminated eggs in the hatchery to vibrant and healthy chicks.
• Through the route of transferring birds from one pen to another or from one farm to another.
• Through equipment and items from infected pens such as empty sacks, feeders, curtains, rain boots, drinkers, etc.

H5N1 viruses may also be transferred from poultry flocks or public areas and can be exposed to pen houses through contact.

Handlers who work barefoot, workers who manage dead birds, and the presence of soiled litter materials. Also, improperly managed slaughtering utensils.

Meanwhile, the virus can also infect other animals, including humans, ducks, and pigs. Symptoms of bird flu are like those of the flu in humans.

Pigs and ducks can spread the virus without showing symptoms, while chickens are more susceptible and can experience severe symptoms. Ducks and pigs are important in spreading the avian influenza virus to other domestic animals.

Read Also: How Biosecurity can Prevent the Introduction and Spread of Avian Influenza (Bird flu). 

Symptoms Of Avian Influenza’ (Bird flu)

Symptoms of Avian Influenza include but are not limited to the following:

Low pathogenic Avian Influenza (LPAI)

·        Loss of appetite.

·        Sneezing.

·        Ruffled feathers.

·        Respiratory problems.

·        Decreased egg production in layers and breeders.

·        Infertility.

·        Paralysis.

·        Low mortality.

High Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

• ·        Systemic Disease.
• ·        Swollen head, comb, wattle, and swollen snood in Turkey.
• ·        Dropping wings.
• ·        Blood in saliva and nasal discharge.
• ·        Paralysis.
• ·        Very high mortality.
• ·        Red discolouration of shanks and feet.

Prevention of Avian influenza

Although there is currently no known cure for poultry birds infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, farmers must respond promptly.

This rigorous approach will effectively decrease the viral load and minimize the risk of further spreading within the farm.

To prevent bird flu, we need to have a strict biosecurity plan on all farms. A good biosecurity plan can reduce the risk of new outbreaks, but it cannot completely stop them.

Biosecurity plan: How does it help farmers?

Implementing a biosecurity plan is crucial in effectively combatting the transmission of the avian influenza virus.

Train workers to quickly identify the symptoms of bird flu, like bleeding and unusual colour changes on the birds’ skin and legs. These symptoms indicate a potential infection with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

Regular cleaning and disinfecting of places and utensils are important in stopping the virus from spreading.

A robust biosecurity plan ensures a comprehensive approach to controlling the disease, safeguarding both bird populations and human health.

Here are additional biosecurity measures farmers must follow to prevent and control the spread of the virus:

• Monitoring of poultry birds and their behaviour. 
• Control of water supply and sewage disposal systems.
• Farm personnel should stay away from other farms and live in bird markets.
• Strictly enforce the restriction of movement of visitors, vehicles, and domestic birds at the farm.
• Don’t recycle feed sacks and don’t allow outside feed sacks into the farm premises.
•  Spray vehicles coming into the premises with a combination of iodine and formalin. 
• Ensure that the pens are disinfected daily by using a spray disinfectant. Disinfectants can clean machines, trays, trolleys, rooms, and eggs holding rooms.  
• All hatchery staff, farmworkers, and veterinarians should use quaternary ammonium-based hand sanitizers before and after any procedure.
• You should spray antivirus disinfectant once or twice a day to destroy the atmosphere load of viral particles.
• They should dip footwear in a disinfectant solution before use.
• With cage layers, spray empty cages with antiviral disinfectants, followed by burning them with a flame gun.  
• Do not buy poultry birds from an unverified source.
• Before moving the litter from the pen, spray it with a 40% formalin solution at a rate of two litres per 1000 square meters.
• All litter materials should be disposed of in pits and properly covered with soil or burnt out. Use iodine base solution to flush off all pipelines, water tanks, and water reservoirs with disinfectant.
• Prevent the entry of migratory birds and swine into your farm. These animals can carry a wide variety of diseases and should be kept away from your farm.
• Para-veterinary personnel should oversee dead birds with care. Before and after any procedure, we must use hand gloves and apply hand sanitizers always.
• Promptly treat any respiratory disorders under the advice of an expert veterinarian. · Wash your hands with soap and water before and after managing raw poultry or eggs.

Conclusion.

The threat of Avian Influenza is serious. However, some things can be done. It’s possible to prevent the further spread of the avian flu disease.