Control and prevention of Low pathogenicity Avian influenza Viruses in an evolving scenario
Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses most common in Poultry which is often unnoticed and sometimes erratically confused with other viral diseases and occasionally neglected.✅
- Most strains of avian influenza are not highly pathogenic and cause few signs of disease in infected wild birds.
- However, in poultry, some low pathogenic strains can mutate into highly pathogenic avian influenza strains that cause a contagious and severe illness among poultry and sometimes wild birds, and often death. 👌
a) The effect is dependent on the viral strain and host species.
- Clinical Signs:
a) Low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses typically produce respiratory signs such as
-sneezing,
- coughing,
-ocular and nasal discharge, - and swollen infraorbital sinuses in poultry.
b) Sinusitis is common in domestic ducks, quail, and turkeys.
c) Lesions in the respiratory tract typically include congestion and inflammation of the trachea and lungs.
- In layers and breeders, there may be decreased egg production or infertility, ova rupture (evident as yolk in the abdominal cavity) or involution, or mucosal edema and inflammatory exudates in the lumen of the oviduct causing huge financial losses to Poultry Farmers.✅💯
a) A few layer and breeder chickens may have acute renal failure and visceral urate deposition (visceral gout).👌
- The morbidity and mortality is usually low unless accompanied by secondary bacterial or viral infections or aggravated by environmental stressors. 👍
- Sporadic infections by any subtype of LPAI viruses can occur,
a) but H9N2 LPAI is common in commercial and live bird market poultry in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa.
Biosecurity advice to Poultry Farmers.👏
- Keep birds away from wild birds.
a) Direct contact between wild bird and poultry is not always necessary for introduction of virus into poultry farms, as infected waterfowl may spread AI viruses by infective faeces into an area and these may then be introduced to poultry farms by a variety of mechanisms that may transfer the virus mechanically.✅
- Spread of AI viruses from farm to farm is mainly by mechanical transfer of infective faeces, in which virus may be present at high concentrations and may survive for considerable periods.
a) Shared water or food may also become contaminated.
- Cleanse and disinfect
-clothing,
-footwear,
-equipment
-and vehicles before and after contact with poultry and captive birds – - if practical, use disposable protective clothing
a) reduce the movement of people, vehicles or equipment to and from areas where poultry and captive birds are kept, to minimise contamination from manure, slurry and other products,
b) and use effective control
thoroughly cleanse and disinfect housing on a continuous basis
keep fresh disinfectant at the right concentration at all farm and poultry housing entry and exit points.👌
c) minimise direct and indirect contact between poultry and captive birds and wild birds, ✅
d) including making sure all feed and water is not accessible to wild birds.💯
- Disinfectant properties:👌
a) Disinfectants are substances used to control, prevent, or destroy harmful microorganisms on inanimate objects and surfaces.
b) High speed of disinfection/ low contact time:
c) Broad antimicrobial spectrum:
d) Cleaning ability: for better penetration of disinfectant and its efficacy.
Right Disinfectant to successfully prevent Avian Influenza in your Poultry Farm.👍
- Please use the Disinfectant which is Bactericide, Virucide and Fungicide disinfectant at the dose of 5 gms for litre of water in foot dips and change for every 4 to 5 days.
- In case of cleaning of egg trays, water drinkers , feeders and other equipment use
- Please always remember that speedy action will help to protect other flocks in the area.
- Remember that motivation is key to success in keeping the farm biosecure.👏
- By: Dr V. Rajendra Prasad,Poultry consultant.
