THE REALITIES ABOUT POULTRY The Modern Farm - The Realities About Poultry_Seco | Page 98

Equipment used on multiple farms, that is contaminated with infective feces or nasal secretions can
spread viruses to multiple new locations. A major problem with stopping the spread of AI is that
apparently healthy birds can be in fected and transmitting the virus to other birds before exhibiting
any clinical signs or symptoms. This is why one of the best ways to prevent this disease is to avoid
contact with other poultry.
Symptoms and Diagnosis of Avian Influenza
There are two forms of AI in poultry, one is highly pathogenic or severe, and the other is low
pathogenic or milder. The symptoms of AI are varied depending on the form of AI present, the
species of bird infected, and other diseases present in the infected birds. All cases of AI infection
require laboratory confirmation. The most common symptoms seen in infected chickens and turkeys
include: depression and decreased activity, decreased feed consumption, decreased egg production,
coughing, and sneezing, wet eyes, huddling, and ruffled feathers.
Birds infected with the severe or hot form of AI may have edema or accumulation of fluid in the
comb and wattles, blueness of the head area, and severe production drops. Severe cases will show
bleeding under the skin in the shanks and high mortality. The less severe form may not be as
dramatic as the severe form, but it is still important to eradicate low pathogenic AI. Countries that
have chosen to “live with” the milder form of AI have seen the virus become more pathogenic, or
hot, after circulating through millions of birds. Any form of AI should be considered very serious.
That is why laboratory diagnosis is important.
Prevention is the Key.
Preventing the introduction of AI and other viruses onto the farm should be the goal of all
producers. Preventing the introduction of AI into a farmer’s flock is not difficult to do if he or she
follows some “ common sense ” guidelines.
 Avoid taking birds to (or bringing birds home from) all shows and exhibits during an AI
outbreak.
 All avian species can be carriers of AI. All flocks should be fenced or confined, in order to avoid
contact with any wild birds, especially waterfowl.
 Introduce new stock only from sources the farmer is sure are AI free and particularly not from
areas in or near an AI outbreak zone.
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