How to protect your poultry from avian influenza

Avian influenza or bird flu is a respiratory disease of birds caused by Influenza A viruses. Wild birds, such as ducks, gulls and shorebirds can carry and spread these viruses but may show no sign of illness. However, avian influenza can kill domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Avian influenza viruses are […]

Avian influenza or bird flu is a respiratory disease of birds caused by Influenza A viruses. Wild birds, such as ducks, gulls and shorebirds can carry and spread these viruses but may show no sign of illness.

However, avian influenza can kill domestic poultry, such as chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Avian influenza viruses are classified based on a combination of two groups of proteins: the hemagglutinin or “H” proteins, of which there are 16 (H1–H16) and neuraminidase or “N” proteins, of which there are 9 (N1–N9).

These viruses are further categorised as either low or high pathogenicity, indicating their ability to produce disease in poultry. Low pathogenicity avian influenza is common in wild birds in the United States and around the world.

In most cases, it causes few or no signs of infection. However, some strains can become highly pathogenic in poultry. Highly pathogenic avian influenza is extremely contagious and deadly to domestic poultry. If we find it in the United States, we must quickly eradicate the disease to protect our country’s flocks and economy.

 

How bird flu spreads

Avian influenza spreads quickly by direct, bird to-bird contact. It can also spread indirectly, such as when birds come in contact with contaminated surfaces or materials.

Migratory waterfowl, including wild ducks and geese, smuggled poultry and poultry products, and the movement of poultry, equipment and people are potential sources for introducing the disease to domestic birds.

Avian influenza viruses can be moved in manure; on egg flats, crates or other farming materials and equipment, and even by people who may have inadvertently picked the virus up on their clothing, shoes or hands.

 

Biosecurity is key

Everyone who owns or works with poultry — whether you are part of a large commercial operation or raise birds as a hobby — needs to know the right steps to keep avian influenza from entering the premises.

Making biosecurity an every day, every time practice is the best way to protect your birds. Even if you are already familiar with biosecurity, it is always good to double-check your procedures.

You are the best protection your birds have. It takes just one contact with this virus to sicken or kill your birds. In a single day, the avian influenza virus can multiply and infect every bird on your premises.

 

Protect your birds with few simple steps

Keep germs away: Disinfect shoes, clothes, hands, egg trays or flats, crates, vehicles and tyres. Avoid exposing cleaned and disinfected equipment and tools to wild birds.

Wash hands and scrub boots before and after entering a poultry area. Wear disposable boot covers and coveralls if possible.

Isolate any bird returning from shows for 30 days to observe for signs of illness before placing them with the rest of your flock. Buy birds from reputable sources so that you know you are getting healthy birds.

Limit visitors, restrict traffic onto and off your property: Prevent visitors from having contact with your flock, and avoid visits to other poultry farms or with bird owners.

If you or others must visit (such as service providers), make sure to wash hands and scrub boots before entering the bird area. Use and offer disposable boot covers and coveralls whenever you can.

Avoid wild birds and pests: Keep wild birds and rodents out of poultry houses and coops. Don’t let your poultry have contact with migratory waterfowl or other wild birds. These birds can introduce germs and diseases to your flock.

Secure feed bins and water to prevent wildlife contamination. If you own a commercial farm, you should have a site-specific biosecurity plan in place.

Make sure that anyone who enters the poultry area or has contact with your birds knows and follows your biosecurity rules.

For backyard bird owners and hobbyists, we encourage you to have a written biosecurity plan too. It is one of the best ways you can defend your birds from disease.

Source: Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, US Department of Agriculture