If you have spent any time in the poultry industry, you know that there are a number of diseases that you have to watch out for within your flock – no matter how large or how small your poultry operation is. One of these diseases is avian influenza, or avian flu.
What is Avian Flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, avian influenza refers to infection of birds with avian influenza Type A viruses. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species. Wild aquatic birds can be infected with avian influenza A viruses in their intestines and respiratory tract, but usually do not get sick.
However, avian influenza A viruses are very contagious among birds and some of these viruses can sicken and even kill certain domesticated bird species including chickens, ducks, and turkeys.” Infected birds can pass avian flu to susceptible birds through saliva, nasal mucus and feces. Avian flu is classified into two different types of viruses: low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) A viruses, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A viruses.
Symptoms of Avian Flu
If poultry is infected with LPAI, in many cases there are no symptoms, or only slight symptoms such as a decline in egg production or ruffled feathers. HPAI symptoms are much more serious, and can include respiratory distress, purple swellings on eyelids, wattles, legs and comb, and loose, watery stool. Both forms of avian flu spread rapidly, and according to an article by Oklahoma State University, LPAI viruses have the potential to mutate into HPAI, which is why they are monitored closely by the USDA.
Preventing Avian Flu
Biosecurity is the best way to prevent avian flu in your flock.
“With proper biosecurity a farmer reduces chances of disease or parasite infestation to their livestock. Diseases can be brought in on contaminated footwear and clothing, perhaps even on our hands,” said Ann Horsman, of Meadowlands Farm in Niangua, Mo.
Quarantine is a very effective biosecurity measure, one that Horsman uses regularly in her poultry operation.
“I follow strict quarantine programs for incoming stock,” she said.
Only after they pass a quarantine period does she release them to the designated flock and pasture area on her farm.
Another solid prevention method for avian flu is making a simple disinfectant spray solution of household bleach and water for shoes, clothing and other supplies that have or could have come into contact with contaminated poultry.
Finally, be sure you report any avian flu cases to your local veterinarian or USDA office.
Is Avian Flu a Threat to Your Operation?
Since avian flu was first identified in 1997, there have been sporadic outbreaks of this disease in the U.S. Unfortunately, there is not an effective treatment for poultry with HPAI. While avian flu can be spread easily from bird to bird, it is extremely rare for humans to contract the disease. The most recent case of avian flu was found in Indiana on Jan. 15, the first confirmed case since June of the previous year.
James Boosey of Blue Heron Farm in Marshfield, Mo., raises several hundred chickens, ducks and geese annually for his egg business and encourages poultry producers of any size to have a general understanding of avian flu, but not to panic about it. He stresses cleanliness as a preventative measure.
“Chickens are curious and you will have problems if you aren’t clean,” he said, adding that free range birds have a “much more evolved immune system” than poultry that are kept indoors, and are therefore less susceptible to diseases like avian flu.
When Ozarks Farm & Neighbor asked Boosey if local producers should be worried about the threat of avian flu, he said, “It’s not a concern – it’s an awareness.”
