BIRDS/ ANIMALS AND AVIAN FLU

Avian Influenza in Birds

Avian or bird flu is an infection caused by the avian type of influenza viruses referred to as influenza type A viruses. The type A virus primarily infects birds, but can also infect humans. There are different subtypes of the type A virus all of which can be found in birds.

Many wild birds carry the viruses without showing any symptoms of the disease. Domestic birds however develop the disease when infected with the Avian viruses and can develop severe disease and die.

How is bird flu transmitted to chickens?

Local poultry may be infected through illegally imported infected poultry and poultry products, and wild migratory birds. The disease can be transmitted to chicken through feaces, feathers, inhalation and contaminated feed or litter. Farm equipment and clothing which come into contact with the virus also spread the disease.

Infected birds will shed the virus in their saliva, feaces and other secretions. Other birds, domestic or wild, will get the infection through contact with these secretions or excretions or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.

How can I tell if a bird has avian influenza?

Signs of avian influenza are extremely variable. In some flocks the only evidence of the infection is seroconversion i.e., the birds develop a detectable antibody. Avian influenza can also be manifest as respiratory, enteric, reproductive or nervous system disease. Decreased food consumption and drops in egg production are among some of the earliest and most predictable signs of disease.

Signs including coughing, sneezing, ruffled feathers, swollen heads, nervous signs like depression, and diarrhea may occur together or singly. In some cases, birds die rapidly without clinical signs of disease.

According to the Director of Veterinary Services in Kenya, the symptoms of the disease include:

·         High fever, excessive tearing and nasal discharges.

·         Spreads very quickly with high mortality rate of 50 – 100%

·         Sudden death, breathing difficulties.

·         Blue discoloration of skin- cyanosis of the skin.

·         Haemorhages under the skin.

·         Swollen head.

·         Neurological signs e.g paralysis and nervous signs.

·         Excessive thirst.

·         Lack of energy or appetite.

·         Profuse diarrhea.

However since other poultry diseases present some of the named symptoms, confirmation by laboratory diagnosis is required.

For more information in this regard:

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetext/INF-PO_AvianInfluenzaFS.html

Protecting poultry from bird flu

• Always be on the look out for any symptoms of avian flu in your poultry.
• Prevent contact of wild birds with domestic poultry by enclosing domestic poultry in bird proof housing; do not let the chicken roam around freely.
• Provide clean water for poultry.
• Keep poultry in hygienic conditions; maintain cleanliness in the poultry house.
• Keep poultry and pigs separately. Since both avian and human flu can exist in pigs, they make an ideal cross- over point to humans.
• Vaccinate poultry against common diseases such as New Castle Disease, Gumboro Disease and Fowl Typhoid.
• Report immediately any infected chicken/ animals to vet authorities. The sick/ dead birds will need to be diagnosed at the nearest Vet Laboratory.
• Do not touch sick or dead chicken or wild birds (especially children).
• If you must handle the sick or dead birds, wear appropriate protective clothing (gloves, masks and overalls, or use leak proof paper bags to hold and carry the birds) when handling any sick or dead birds.
• Dispose dead birds appropriately by burying them at a minimum depth of 4ft (1m) in leak proof bags. Preferably call the nearest Veterinarian to do this.
• Sick or dead poultry and birds should not be eaten or given to other animals including dogs, cats and any other animals.
• Wash your hands with soap and water after handling poultry.
• Observe bio- security measures:
1. Minimize the number of people entering poultry houses.
2. Construction of footbaths at entrance to the farm and poultry
3. Disinfection of all materials and equipment entering poultry house
4. Use protective clothing

• In case one handles sick or dead birds and you develop flu like symptoms, seek medical advice at your nearest hospital facility.