Avian Influenza Description
Avian influenza commonly known as avian flu/bird flu affects birds throughout the world with signs ranging from mild (no deaths) to severe (90-100% birds die)
Most human cases result from close contact with sick birds with outbreaks recorded in many countries, such as U.S., parts of Asia, Europe and Africa
The severe form of the disease causes epidemics in birds and humans that spreads rapidly, devastate the poultry industry and result in severe trade restrictions
Avian influenza Animal Symptoms
Poultry are very susceptible to the disease and can die in large numbers while wild birds e.g. waterfowls can carry the disease without becoming sick
Poultry affected by avian influenza will appear depressed, have ruffled feathers and unwilling to eat.
Birds may have watery diarrhea that starts off bright green and changes to white
The combs and wattles are often swollen and can turn blue. Swelling may also occur around the eyes and neck.
Legs may have pin-point hemorrhages; Egg production drops and typically stops.
Rare cases can affect the brain causing twisted heads, circling, or paralysis. Sudden death may also occur.
Infected mammals will have fever, cough and breathing difficulty; some may die.
Avian Influenza Animal transmission
In birds, avian influenza is spread by direct contact with the fecal droppings or respiratory secretions of infected birds.
The virus can live for a long time in the environment and can be spread by objects or fomites (e.g., shoes, clothing, equipment) that have been contaminated
Mammals such as cattle, pigs, goats, sheep and humans may be exposed and infected by ingestion of infected birds
Avian InfluenzaHuman Symptoms
Clinical signs in people can include swelling and reddening of the tissues around the eyes, flu-like illness (fever, body aches). Death can occur in rare cases
Infection can also manifest as fever, cough, tiredness, muscle aches, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose and headache.
Pneumonia, meningitis and diarrhoea may occur. Symptoms generally appear between 2 and 10 days following contact with infected birds
Avian Influenza Human transmission
Avian Influenza infects people following close contact with infected poultry or materials contaminated with poultry feathers or feces.
Humans infected with an Avian Influenza virus rarely transmit the infection to others. Close contact with a sick person over several days may transmit.
Eating properly cooked poultry products including chicken or eggs does not result in Avian Influenza infection.
Avian Influenza Prevention
Prevent contact between poultry and wild birds, especially waterfowl.
Clean and disinfect bird housing facilities as well as rodent and insect control measures, to prevent spread of the virus.
During an outbreak consult with your veterinarian for vaccination
People in contact with Avian Influenza patients or working with infected birds, must use personal protective equipment including gloves and protective clothing.
The goal of prevention and control is to stop the virus from being severe and being transmitted between people
Ensure that poultry products are cooked thoroughly before eating. There is no evidence that avian influenza viruses can infect humans through properly cooked food.
It is recommended that poultry workers should be vaccinated with the human seasonal flu strain, to reduce the risk of virus becoming severe
When travelling to areas affected by avian influenza avoid visiting poultry farms and live bird markets to prevent spread to other regions
When travelling to areas affected by avian influenza wash your hands thoroughly after handling uncooked poultry products such as meat or eggs.
Avian Influenza Action
It is strongly recommended to vaccinate your birds against Newcastle disease, so that outbreaks of Avian Influenza can be rapidly detected.
If you suspect Avian Influenza : (1) In animals – contact your veterinarian immediately; (2) In humans – contact your physician immediately
Content provided by Zoonotic and Emerging Diseases Group (ZED) University of Liverpool, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLink)