Avian influenza is a highly contagious viral disease affecting the respiratory, digestive and/or nervous system of many species of birds caused by Type A influenza virus. The H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza started in Asia and recently there have been reported outbreaks in South East Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey and Romania.

Clinical signs

Typically the disease starts suddenly and affected birds may show:

• Swelling of the head.

• Darkening of the comb and wattles.

• Dullness.

• Lack of appetite.

• Breathing difficulties.

• Diarrhoea.

• Drop in egg production.

• Sudden death without any signs of disease being apparent.

• There can be considerable variability in symptoms and severity.

Transmission

 

• Direct contact with secretions from infected birds, especially via faeces.

• Contaminated feed, water, equipment and clothing.

• Apparently healthy waterfowl and sea birds that may introduce the virus into poultry flocks.

• Broken contaminated eggs may infect chicks in the incubator.

Further Information and Contacts

Avian Influenza is a Notifiable Disease in Guernsey and any suspicions must be notified to the States Veterinary Officer at the Commerce and Employment Department.

Commerce and Employment Department
Raymond Falla House
PO Box 459, Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey
GY1 6AF
Tel: 01481 234567                                                                                         Issue date:17th October 2005

Take Precautions: Bio-security

Bio-security means taking steps to ensure good hygiene practices are in place so that the risk of a disease occurring or spreading is minimised.

How does the disease spread?

 

• Movement of poultry, people, vehicles and equipment between and within farms.

• The introduction of birds of low or unknown health status.

• Contact with neighbours' flocks.

• Using shared farm equipment and vehicles, which have not been effectively cleansed and disinfected.

• Contact with vermin and wild birds.

• Birds drinking from contaminated water sources.

• Birds eating contaminated feed.

• Unsatisfactory cleansing and disinfection of vehicles, sheds, feeding troughs and other equipment.

You should follow these steps

 

• Feed and water free range birds indoors where possible to isolate them from wild birds.

• Make sure all your records are accurate and up-to-date.

• If you have staff, give them information and training.

• Clean overalls and footwear must be worn when entering poultry farms.

• Strictly limit and control access to poultry flocks. If possible the site should be fenced with a controlled entry point.

• Have pressure washers, brushes, hoses, water and an approved disinfectant available.

• Make sure they are used by visitors to clean vehicles, equipment and boots both before entry and on leaving.

• Clean and disinfect all vehicles after each journey.

• Wild birds can carry poultry diseases. Minimise contact between poultry and wild birds.

• Keep wild birds, dogs, cats, rodents or other livestock out of poultry buildings and feed stores. Use effective rodent and pest control.

• Supply only clean fresh drinking water to birds.

• Feed bins, hoppers and feeding equipment must be cleaned and maintained regularly. Feed silos and containers must be sealed to prevent animals and wild birds contaminating feed.

• Damaged eggs, dead birds, litter and manure may carry disease. Dispose of them promptly and properly.

• At depopulation at the end of a cycle, thoroughly clean the building and all equipment, including ducting, drains, feed, litter and fans.
  
• See www.lelorier.com/avian_influenza_1.html