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Avian Influenza (AI) otherwise known as Bird
Flu is a viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and
/or nervous system of birds. AI virus infecti on can occur in most,
if not all, species of birds, both domestic and wild. These viruses
vary widely in their ability to cause disease (pathogenicity); AI
may be Highly Pathogenic (HPAI) or Low Pathogenic (LPAI). Most outbreaks
are LPAI which causes little or no clinical signs in affected birds.
LPAI does not usually affect humans. Infected wild species of birds
may not develop clinical disease, but some influenza viruses can
cause severe illness or death in chickens, turkeys and guinea fowl.
What Are the Clinical Signs?
The severity of the disease ranges from mild
to rapidly fatal. Clinical signs vary greatly and depend on many
factors including the age and species of the poultry affected, husbandry
practices and the pathogenicity of the influenza virus strain.
Clincial signs may include:
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Ruffled feathers |
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Soft-shelled eggs |
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Depression and droopiness |
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Sudden drop in egg production |
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Loss of appetite |
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Cyanosis (purplish-blue coloring) of wattles
and comb |
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Respiratory distress |
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Coughing/ sneezing |
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Edema and swelling of head, eyelids, comb,
wattles and hocks |
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Blood-tinged discharge from nostrils |
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Incoordination, including loss
of ability to walk or stand |
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Pin-point hemorrhages (most eaily seen on
the feet and shanks) |
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Increased mortality in flock |
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Sudden death without clinical signs |
How Is Avian Influenza Spread?
Water fowl (ducks) and migratory birds act
as host for influenza viruses by carrying the virus in their bodies
and shedding it. Infected birds shed virus in saliva, nasal secretions
and faeces. AI is spread among susceptible birds when they have
contact with contaminated nasal, respiratory and fecal material
from infected birds. It can also be spread by manure, equipment,
vehicles, egg flats, crates, and people whose clothing or shoes
have come in contact with the virus. The viruses can remain viable
at moderate temparatures for long periods in the environment and
can survie indefinitely in frozen material. One gram of contaminated
manure can contain enough virus to infect one million
birds.
Transmission to Humans
The first documented infection of humans with
an AI virus occurred in Hong Kong in 1997, when the H5N1 strain
caused the severe respiratory disease in 18 humans, of whom 6 died.
The 2004-2005 outbreak in South East Asia, has so far claimed the
life of over 65 people.
Signs of AI infection in man may include:
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Typical flu-like symptoms such
as, fever, cough, sore throat and muscle aches. |
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Eye Infections |
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Pneumonia |
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Acute respiratory distress |
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Viral pneumonia |
How Can Poultry Producers Help Control
/Prevent Avian Influenza?
Poultry personnel and avian health care specialists
should wear adequate safety equipment, such as boots, coveralls,
gloves, face masks, and head gear and follow appropriate sanitary
and disinfectant procedures when on premises known
or suspected to be infected with the virus.
The following measures should also be employed:
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Keep an "all-in, all-out"
policy of flock management. |
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Protect poultry flocks from coming into
contact with wild or migratory birds; bird proof poultry houses. |
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Keep poultry away from any source of water
th at may have been contaminated by wild birds. |
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Permit only essential workers and vehicles
to enter the farm. |
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Provide clean clothing and disinfection
facilities for employees. |
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Thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment
and vechiles (including tires and undercarriage) entering
and leaving the farm. |
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Do not loan, or borrow equipment or vehicles
from other farms. |
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Avoid visiting other poultry farms. If you
do visit another farm orlive-bird market, shower and change
footwear and clothing before working with your own flock. |
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Do not bring birds from slaughter channels,
especially live-bird markets, back to the farm. |
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Do not keep more than one species of bird
on farm. |
How Can Suspicious Cases Be Reported?
Any poultry or pet bird owner or vetinarian
who suspects a bird may have Avian Influenza should immediately
contact any Viterinary Office of the Ministry of Agriculture, Land
and Marine Resources:
| CHIEF
VETERINARY OFFICER |
80 Abercromby Street,
Port Of Spain
(868) 625-5997/1473 |
| POULTRY
SURVELLIANCE UNIT |
National Animal Disease
Centre
Caroni North Bank Road,
Centeno
(868) 642-0063/4
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Amazon Road,
WALLERFIELD
(868) 667-8488
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Agricultural Station,
CARLSEN FIELD
(868) 672-4411
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1/4mm Oropouche
Road
Sangre Grande
EL REPOSO
(868) 668-2712
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Havelock Street,
Curepe
ST. GEORGE/CARONI
(868) 662-5986
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Ramjattan Trace,
Penal
ST. PATRICK
(868) 647-4672
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Government Hope Farm,
Hope
TOBAGO
(868) 660-2008
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Rodriguez Building,
King's Wharf
San Fernando
VICTORIA/NARIVA/MAYARO
(868) 652-2033 |
Other Avian Influenza Resource Pages
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