What is the Bird Flu
The avian influenza can present in two distinct forms which include:
- Mild and Quite Common Form: This form presents with mild symptoms such as ruffled feathers, mild respiratory involvement, and reduced egg production. Outbreaks caused by this form are unlikely to be noticed unless regular bird flu testing is done.
- Lethal and Very Rare Form: This form is very rare and highly infectious making this form difficult to miss. This form was first identified in
Italy in 1878 which presented with a sudden onset of disease, extreme contagion, and a mortality rate of 90-100% within 48 hours. This form of bird flu not only infects the respiratory system but quickly invades multiple organs and tissues resulting in massive internal hemorrhaging.
The avian influenza virus is excreted in the nasal secretions, saliva, and feces of an infected bird. Susceptible birds become infected with the bird flu virus when direct contact is made with: an infected bird, contaminated surfaces such as cages or dirt, or contaminated materials such as feed or water. Viruses that are highly pathogenic may survive in the environment for long periods of time. This is especially the case when temperatures are low. The H5N1 virus is highly pathogenic, able to survive within contaminated feces for 35 days at temperatures as low as 4°C while able to survive for six days in temperatures as high as 37°C.
For disease that is highly infectious, control measures must be followed. All infected or exposed birds are rapidly culled. Following the cull, the carcasses are then disposed of properly. The farm will then be quarantined while rigorous disinfection takes place. The farm must then implement strict sanitary measures to prevent further infection. Another important control measure is the restrictions that are placed on the movement of live poultry within and between countries.
These precautions would be very effective when dealing with large commercial farms. Why? Large commercial farms usually house the birds indoors under strict, controlled sanitary conditions. However, small backyard farms in rural areas prove more difficult for the implementation of these precautions.
What other problems does this pose?
Outbreaks in small backyard flocks may be associated with an increased risk of human exposure to the avian influenza as well as infection. Birds in this setting are more apt to roam freely while scavenging for food, possibly interacting with infected wild fowl at the water hole. During adverse weather conditions, these birds may also be brought into the household, maybe even sharing the same area where children sleep or play.
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