THE REALITIES ABOUT POULTRY The Modern Farm - The Realities About Poultry_Seco | Page 97

(4) Avian Influenza (AI)
Avian influenza (AI) is a highly contagious disease of birds which can be devastating for poultry
farmers, both backyard and commercial. AI is caused by a virus which occurs commonly in healthy
waterfowl, but can cause severe disease in turkeys and chickens. Flocks that are confirmed positive
for AI are depopulated and buried onsite. Sometimes farmers are paid for depopulated birds, but it
may be only a portion of the true value of the birds, and can result in severe economic loss for
owners and producers of the diseased poultry flocks.
Because of the structure of the commercial poultry industry and the events which many non-
commercial or hobbyist poultry people attend, there is considerable movement of poultry and
individuals associated with poultry. Whether a farmer’s poultry interests are large or small, he or she
needs to exercise caution when coming in contact with another poultry person or their birds. The AI
virus is most often transmitted from one infected flock to another flock by infected birds, people or
equipment. AI infected birds secrete virus via nasal secretions and feces. Moving infected birds
would naturally result in transferring the virus to the new location. If infected birds are moved
through an auction, or “swap meet”, then the virus can be transferred to multiple new locations.
People most often spread viruses via contaminated clothing and/or boots. AI can live in manure for
up to 105 days, so it could easily be spread from one farm to another on soiled boots or clothing.
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