Avian influenza is a strand of influenza that is highly contagious in fowl, which is deadly to domestic fowl, however shows little sign of disease in waterfowl.
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 and turkeys.
Infected birds can shed avian influenza A viruses in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when they have contact with the virus as it is shed by infected birds. They also can become infected through contact with surfaces that are contaminated with virus from infected birds.
Symptoms include: sudden death without any signs; lack of coordination; purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; lack of energy and appetite; diarrhea; swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles and hocks; nasal discharge; decreased egg production; and/or coughing, sneezing
For domestic poultry producers, multiple farms and multiple family members as growers increases the extra need for precaution for biosecurity.
Many producers have biosecurity protocols that include changing clothes, wearing booties, dipping their feet when entering and exiting each house, and vehicles being hosed down when entering the property.
According to the University of Arkansas Associate Center Director of Extension and Extension Veterinarian F.D. Clark, Avian influenza is classified as a “highly pathogenic virus [and] spreads rapidly and causes high mortality in poultry.”
The Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission have developed a list of Minimum Biosecurity Standards for Arkansas Commercial Poultry growers.
Minimum standards include disinfecting when entering and leaving each house and the farm.
Individual poultry companies can have more intense standards depending on the company.
Recognizing the signs of illness is a procedure Clark emphasized for hobby poultry farmers.
Clark said hobby poultry farmers check their birds multiple times a day and with a smaller flock the producer can be more aware of the behavior of the birds.
Similar to commercial producers, small poultry farmers need to disinfect, good vermin control and restricting visitors. Producers should not have contact with other flocks or other bird species.
Not hunting during an outbreak can assist with keeping out of contact with other species.
Commercial poultry farmer George Anderson said there are also restrictions on area between houses and pounds – where waterfowl can migrate.
Clark said it’s important for anyone handling wild game to shower and change clothes before entering a farm.
Migrating birds cannot be avoided, however, proper biosecurity can help eliminate the risks for other factors in contracting AI.
