Avian Influenza – Poultry

Causative Agent:-

It is caused by infection with avian influenza Type A viruses.

Species Affected:-

Avian influenza is a viral infection found in domestic poultry and a wide range of other birds.

Clinical Signs

Low pathogenicity strains typically cause respiratory signs. High pathogenicity strains may cause widespread organ failure and sudden, high mortality. The mild form produces loss of appetite, listlessness, respiratory distress, diarrhea, transient drops in egg production, and low mortality. The highly pathogenic form produces facial swelling, blue comb and wattles, and dehydration with respiratory distress. Dark red/white spots develop in the legs and combs of chickens.

There can be blood-tinged discharge from the nostrils. Mortality can range from low to near 100 percent. Sudden exertion adds to the total mortality: egg production and hatchability decrease. There can be an increase in the production of soft-shelled and shell-less eggs.

Transmission

The avian influenza virus can remain viable for long periods of time at moderate temperatures and can live indefinitely in frozen material. As a result, the disease can be spread through improper disposal of infected carcasses and manure. Avian influenza can be spread by contaminated materials like-shoes, clothing, crates, and other equipment. Insects and rodents may mechanically carry the virus from infected to susceptible poultry.

Treatment

There is no effective treatment for avian influenza. With the mild form of the disease, good management, proper nutrition, and broad-spectrum antibiotics may reduce losses from secondary infections. Vaccines may only be used with special permit.

Also, Read: Newcastle Disease in Chickens

To avoid the secondary infection, we Recommend: –

Broad-spectrum antibiotics:

• ENROLIQ (Enrofloxacin 10%): @ 1 ml in 1to 2 litters of drinking water (or).
• P-MOX-50 (Amoxycillin Powder 50%): @ 1 gm in 5 litres of drinking water.

Immunostimulant therapy in drinking water:

• E MUNE CARE (Vitamin E, Selenium, Biotin and Folic acid):

Chicks and broiler starters                   :  5 ml/ 100 birds

Growers, Layers, Broiler finishers      : 10 ml/100 birds

Breeders                                                   : 20 ml/100 birds

Prevention

Prevention by the implementation of a comprehensive biosecurity program. With the more lethal forms, strict quarantine and rapid destruction of all infected flocks remains the only effective method of stopping an avian influenza outbreak.